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GENEALOGY COLLECTION

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HI STORY

■ \ .

ERIE COUNTY

O II I o

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS.

EDITED BY

LEWIS CASS ALDRICH

SYRACUSE, N. Y.

D. MASON & CO., PUBLISHERS
1889

1560915

INTRODUCTION.

HISTORY is a statement of fact, clearly and concisely written, and without
comment, inferences or opinions. One of the most satisfactory situations
in which the writer of local history can find himself is that that enables him to
realize that his work is original. But in Erie county this delightful reflection
is denied him, for there is but little of its history that has not, in some form or
other, appeared in print; still, it is confidently believed that this volume con-
tains records, the events of which are proper to be treated upon as a part of
the county’s history, that have been passed unnoticed by former writers ; and
while the major part, perhaps, of the work is a compilation of records previously
discussed, the subjects have been herein arranged and classified so as to make
them more intelligent to the reader, and therefore more valuable.

It would be indeed remarkable to find, after an examination, that this vol-
ume contained not an error of fact or date. “ To err is human,” and the editor
realizes fully the force of the statement made by Samuel Johnson, when he
says: “ He that has a great work to do will do something wrong.”

In the preparation of the History of Erie County and its several townships,
the compiler has to acknowledge with gratitude the valuable assistance of a
number of residents of the city of Sandusky and other towns. But before
making any individual mention, the editor desires to extend to the press of the
city sincere thanks for uniform courtesy and willing assistance rendered upon
every occasion upon which the same was sought.

To Charles N. Freeman, of Sandusky, is due the credit of a valuable and
interesting contribution of material facts — the results of his explorations among
the Indian and other mounds with which the county was at an early day known
to abound; to Charles H. Cramer, esq., an attorney of the city, is also due
thanks for the contribution of the Geological chapter; to Professor A. A. Bar-
tow for the chapter on education, and other valuable assistance; to Dr. E. Von

Introduction.

Schulenburg for his able chapter on The German Element of Erie county ; to
W. D. Gurley for the history of Perkins township ; to Mrs. Margaret B.
Peeke for the church history of the city and other important chapters ; to Dr.

I. B. Massey for substantial assistance in preparing the Medical chapter ; to

J. F. Green for the Agricultural article ; to Counsellor S. C. Wheeler for valuable
material relating to the Masonic organizations of the city of Sandusky and
elsewhere ; and further, to the people of the county at large, who by their
generous contributions to the subscription list have made the publication of
this volume not only possible but successful, are also extended the thanks not
only of the editor but of the publishers as well.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

‘The Subject — Beginning of Erie County’s History Page 13

CHAPTER II.

Traces of a Pre-Historic Race — An Unknown People — The Mound Builders — Theories
Concerning Them — Character of Their Mounds — Discoveries in Erie County of Evi-
dences of Their Former Presence There 14

CHAPTER III.

'The Indian Occupation — The Eries — Their Destruction by the Five Nations — The Iro-
quois Confederacy — Lake Erie — Its Name and Derivation — The Huron or Wyandot
Indians — Their Subjugation by the Five Nations — Other Tribes of this Region — In-
cidents Concerning Them — Their Final Removal 19

CHAPTER IV.

The French Dominion — La Salle — His Voyage Up Lake Erie — The Griffin — French
Operations in this Region — The French and English Wars — Extinction of French
Power in America — Pontiac’s League — The Conspiracy — The War — Peace Again
Restored 23

CHAPTER V.

.Events Preceding the Revolution — Twelve Years of Peace — Growing English Power —
Early Commerce of the Lake — The Second Sailing Vessel — The Beaver — The Mora-
vian Missionaries and Indians — Their Settlement in Erie County — The Revolution . . 28

CHAPTER VI.

JExtinguishment of Indian Titles to Land — Treaty at Fort McIntosh — Fort Laurens —

Fort Finney — Battle at Fallen Timbers — Wayne’s Victory — Treaty at Fort Indus-
try— Text of the Treaty — The Indian Title to Lands of Erie County Vested in the
United States — Later Events — The War of 1812-15 31

Contents.

CHAPTER VII.

The Soil and Civil Jurisdiction of Ohio — The Connecricut Lands — The Western Reserve

— Connecticut Sufferers’ or Fire Lands — Detailed Record of their Organization —

Laws — Acts and Explanations — Surveys — Dissolution of the Fireland’s Company —
Records Transferred to Huron County 38

CHAPTER VIII.

Organization of Counties on the Reserve — Botetourt — Trumbull — Geauga — Cuyahoga

— Huron — Proceedings to Erect Huron County — The County Seat at Milan Changed

t<^ Norwalk — Officers — Erie County Erected — Acts Regarding It — County Civil
List 50

CHAPTER IX.

A General Topographical and Geographical View of Erie County — Its Situation and

Boundaries — Civil Divisions 59-

CHAPTER X.

Locating the County Seat — Sites Offered — Incidents — Sandusky Chosen — The First
Court-House — Change of County Seat Threatened — Permanent House of Justice
Provided — The Tardy Proprietors — Some Notable Cases Tried — The First and Only
Murderer Executed in Erie County — The Old Jail — Present County Buildings .... 63

CHAPTER XI.

Geology of Erie County 72

CHAPTER XII.

Agriculture of Erie County 83

CHAPTER XIII.

Military History of Erie County 93

CHAPTER XIV.

The Press of Erie County 178

CHAPTER XV.

Bench and Bar 187

Contents. i i

CHAPTER XVI.

The Medical Profession 211

CHAPTER XVII.

The German Element of Erie County 228

CHAPTER XVIII.

Railways of the County 263

CHAPTER XIX.

Some Events of Erie County’s Political History 272

CHAPTER XX.

History of the City of Sandusky — The Seat of Justice of Erie County 280

CHAPTER XXI.

History of Berlin Township 438

CHAPTER XXII.

History of Florence Township 450

CHAPTER XXIII.

History of Groton Township 454

CHAPTER XXIV.

History of Huron Township 459

CHAPTER XXV.

History of Kelley’s Island 473

CHAPTER XXVI.

History of Margaretta] Township 481

Contents.

CHAPTER XXVII.

History of Milan Township and Village 492

CHAPTER XXVIII.

History of Oxford Township 509-

CHAPTER XXIX.

History of Vermillion Township 514

CHAPTER XXX.

History of Perkins Township 521

CHAPTER XXXI.

Brief Biographical Sketches 541

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Stoll, Adam J., portrait facing 406

Sadler, Ebeneze B., portrait facing 534

Simpson, William A., portrait facing 280

BIOGRAPHICAL.

McKelvey. John .... 529

Sadler, Ebenezer B 534

Simpson, William A 532

Stoll, Adam J 531

History of Erie County.

CHAPTER I.

THE SUBJECT.— BEGINNING OF ERIE COUNTY’S HISTORY.

THE history of any county properly begins with its organization, and a nar-
rative of the events occurring within its borders prior to that organization
must necessarily be associated with the older counties of which it had previously
formed a part. Erie county was not organized with its present name until the
year 1838. The larger and the more interesting part of its history had at that
time already taken place. It is necessary, therefore, to point out that the sub-
ject of this work is the territory comprised within the present bounds of Erie
county, together with the inhabitants of that territory, no matter whether the
events recorded occurred before or after the beginning of the independent ex-
istence of the county. Again, as has already been intimated, it will be neces-
sary to frequently refer to matters outside this territory in order to elucidate
the history of the county and show a succession of events. Such extraneous
references, however, will be confined chiefly to a few of the earlier chapters.

There is scarcely a subject pertaining to the history of Erie county, or to
this region, that has not in some manner been written, and it is hardly to be
expected that at this late day any new and important historical material can
be unearthed and brought forward from the long hidden recesses of the past.
It will be necessary in view of the many publications that have been made, to
discuss the subjects that have therein appeared and in much the same manner
as they appear to be related ; but in quoting from other works and other writ-
ers full credit will be given and preference exercised for those who have been
in some manner identified with the past of this immediate locality.

Further, when “Erie county” is spoken of previous to the organization and
naming thereof, it will be understood that the words are used chiefly to avoid
circumlocution and mean the territory included within its present boundaries.
So, too, for convenience the territory now comprised in a township will occa-
3

History of Erie County.

sionally be mentioned by its present name, before any such township was act-
ually in existence.

It is the aim and hope of the writer, by a proper arrangement and classifi-
cation of the subjects treated in the several chapters, to present to the people
of Erie county a work that shall be to them of much value for ready reference
and to the succeeding generations a work of inestimable value as an instructor
regarding the past of the county and region.

CHAPTER II.

Traces of a Pre-Historic Race. — An Unknown People. — The Mound Builders. — Theories
Concerning Them.— Character of Their Mounds. — Discoveries in Erie County of Evidences of
Their Former Presence There.

IT seems to be a fact, and a fact founded upon theory, surmise, inference and
probability, that the whole region of country now embraced within the lim-
its of the State of Ohio, was the home of a large race of people possessing traits
and a degree of intelligence far beyond those possessed by the average Amer-
ican Indian of the seventeenth, eighteenth or nineteenth centuries, of all of
whom we have positive knowledge. Of this peculiar people there exists no
vyritten history, nor have we any traditionary knowledge of them or other ev-
idence than the works and relics that they left behind them like “ footprints in
the sands of time.” This people, the historians of the last two centuries have
been pleased to term as Mound Builders. The time of their occupation of the
-country has never been determined.

The eaHiest traditionary Indian history carries the reader back to the oc-
cupation of this whole lake and river country by two nations of people who
nvere said to have come from the country west of the Mississippi River, those
settling in the country bordering upon the lakes being known as the Mengwe,
Yvhile the others occupied the territory upon the larger rivers of New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio and the country south and who were known as the Lenni
Lenapes or “ original people.” These two peoples had a tradition extending
back to the early part of the thirteenth century, but from them there came no
knowledge of an earlier nation than their own. The name Mound Builders
seems to have been accepted as the only one to properly designate the pecul-
iar race who certainly did, in some by-gone age, occupy the territory of Ohio.

The case presents two features : That which is known and that which is
not known concerning them, and the latter is largely in preponderance. “Eu-
ropeans, Egyptians and Asiatics might have voyaged across the Atlantic by

- •

Pre-Historic Evidences.

way of the Western Islands, Iceland and Greenland, or as the Welsh expedi-
tion of Madoc did in 1170 A. D., or as Christopher Columbus did in 1492, or as
might have been done by an earlier, bolder navigator by way of the mid-ocean
island Atlantis, of which we read (though always doubtingly) in Plato, and
which the right of authority pronounces fabulous.” But “ we do not know
where they came from, when and how they disappeared, whether they were
extinguished by war, pestilence, or famine, or ultimately degenerated into bar-
barians, or whether they slowly moved to the southwest and finally came with-
in the domain of history as Aztecs, or some more ancient people, once of pre-
historic times in Mexico or Central America.”

We leave then the speculations of theorists for the more practical knowl-
edge of the Mound Builders, as shown by their works which have been exam-
ined and explored , in this State. These consisted of mounds, effigies and in-
closures, and from the first, which, predominating, gave the name of “Mound
Builders ” to this people.

Those who have given this subject the most study and examination have
classified the mounds into sepulchral, sacrificial, temple (or truncated) mounds,
also mounds of observation and memorial or monumental mounds. Effigies
are also called animal mounds ; sometimes, too, they are named emblematic or
symbolic mounds.

“ Inclosures are of several kinds, one class being known as military or de-
fensive works, another as parallel embankments or covered ways, and the third
as sacred inclosures.”

But it is not well to pursue this theoretical subject further for the purposes
of this chapter. None of these higher grades of mounds have been discovered
in this locality, although they have been known elsewhere in Ohio. Still there
have been found in Erie county evidences of the presence hereof this lost and
unknown people. Many of what has been believed to be the remains of mounds
in various localities hereabouts have been explored and implements of warfare
and for domestic use among the Mound Builders have been taken from them.

A few interested persons, residents of Sandusky and elsewhere in the
county, have given these matters some attention. Therefore, by request, we
present to the readers of this work the results of examinations made by Charles
N. Freeman, of the city of Sandusky, written and contributed expressly for
this chapter :

Contrary to the generally accepted opinion, Erie county bears abundant
evidence of occupancy by a race of people ante-dating the present race of
Indians, or their generally accepted ancestors. Although there are no large
mounds, or those of peculiar shape, such as are found in the central and south-
ern parts of the State, yet a close examination of the knolls along the banks of
the rivers and creeks tributary to Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie reveals the
fact that mounds did exist here in large numbers. The action of time, and

1 6

History oi Erie County.

more especially cultivation, the greatest foe to the preservation of such re-
mains, have in many instances almost obliterated all trace of them, but the fact
that they are still traceable is stronger proof of their existence. On the high-
est points and some distance back from the creek banks, in fields of light,
sandy soil and clay sub-soil, are found circular deposits of extremely black
earth, varying in depth from one to three feet, in which are found skeletons of
a “race” — not Indians. The skull is well developed, being full in the fore-
head, broad, with good height above the ears, and in all respects different from
the Indians. The skeletons of adults are above the average size and some of
them gigantic. The writer, together with Dr. Charles Stroud and Mr. T. L.
Williams, have dug up a number in different localities, and always, with one
exception, with the same results. The graves were dug through the soil
of varying depth to the clay sub-soil, on which was spread a deposit of ashes
and charcoal from four to eight inches thick. The skeletons are found lying
side by side, facing the west, the arms closely pinioned to the sides, and sur-
rounded by innumerable bones of birds and small animals, black with age, but
evidently not burnt.

The exception referred to was an excavation made by the writer on the
farm of Henry Geasen, formerly part of the Upp property, situated on the
east bank of Pipe Creek. Here, in a mound of about one-half acre in extent,
were discovered a large number of skeletons buried face downward in parallel
trenches running north and south. Twenty-three were removed and exam-
ined, and a large number were left untouched. No relics of importance were
found, but there were large quantities of broken tomahawks, pipes and pottery,
the latter from the shallowness of burial, evidently destroyed by action of
frost. On this mound have been found stone arrow and spear points, relics of
the stone age ; also stone pipes, fleshers, tomahawks, curiously shaped totems,
and pottery of various and in some instances of quite elaborate design. In the
collection of Mr. Williams is an arrow point, found in Oakland Cemetery, at a
depth of eight feet. Nearly all the finds are made on the east side of the
creeks. On Plum Brook, beginningat a point near where it empties into the
marsh, is a line of mounds, or rather their remains, extending in almost a
straight line to Bogart’s Corners, crossing the creek in one instance, but al-
ways on the highest elevations. On one of them is a large ring, fifty feet in
diameter, four feet wide, and being of black earth is plainly discernible on the
yellow sandy soil. In this ring have been found several fine specimens, highly
polished. The arrow and spear points differ in shape and material on the dif-
ferent creeks, those found on Plum Brook being leaf-shaped, chert, and deeply
notched black flint ; also the Icelandic or double notched arrow points, which
are very rare and are found in no other place in this vicinity. On Goose
Creek, so called, the arrow points are of chert, crude and imperfect, very few
good specimens being found. Even the tomahawks and fleshers are of the

■

Pre-Historic Evidences.

i 7

-crudest make, and bear evidence of great age. Pipe Creek furnishes the most
of the willow-leaf variety, double pointed arrows and drills. The specimens
found here are of excellent workmanship. Mill’s Creek furnishes a greater
variety, but here, even, a special shape, that of the triangular or war arrow,
predominates. These facts seem to denote tribal distinctions. On the north
bank of Mill’s Creek, just soutft of the Lake Shore track, was a large burial
mound, which was partly removed when the fill was made at that place. On
this mound grew an immense oak tree, of great age, whose roots had pene-
trated to the center and there entwined themselves around the bones laid to
rest, drawing sustenance from those whose graves it sheltered. When this
tree was removed a number of relics were found, besides the skeletons referred
to. To the east of this mound is a level spot of about three acres, evidently
the site of a village. The rise from the creek is gradual, and the elevation
•commands a view of the creek to its mouth as well as the surrounding country.
Its natural position made it easy of defense, and occupied by any considerable
force would seem almost impregnable. It was less than one-half mile from
the shore of one of the most beautiful sheets of still water to be found along
the lake shore, whose depths swarmed with fish of countless variety, and
whose surface was covered with wild fowl — the bay and adjoining marshes
being feeding grounds during the migratory seasons — and backed by a track-
less forest, filled to repletion with the game that supplied the material for their
clothing and a large proportion of their food. Supplies of nuts and acorns
were easily obtained, and the marshes were thickets of wild rice, which for
them then, as for the tribes of the Northwest now, no doubt formed part of
their food supply. No stretch of the imagination is necessary to appreciate
the motives and sentiments that influenced those who chose this spot for a
dwelling place. The ground bears evidence of having been the scene of a
fierce conflict. Scattered about all over this field are broken tomahawks of
all shapes and sizes, and the small triangular or war arrows are found in great
-abundance. The soil is full of specimens of great variety. There is a bed of
burned pottery material here, covering about thirty feet square, evidently the
seat of the pottery manufacture for this whole section. It is composed of clay
and ground white quartz, mixed in proportions of about one to twenty, evi-
dently to make it harder. Many stone hammers are found, of granite and
greenstone, fashioned to fit the hand perfectly. There are no large fragments
of flint found, but an abundance of fine chips, the refuse of the arrow-makers.
Almost every stone in the whole field bears evidence of having been used for
some purpose. Taken together, these results prove conclusively that this is
the site of the prolonged habitation. The land adjoining, at this writing
planted in vineyards, yields with every turn of the plow relics of every descrip-
tion and grade of workmanship. I have in my collection two beveled-edge
-arrow points, found here, which for design and symmetry equal any thing that

History of Erie County.

can be fashioned from stone. The angles are exactly forty-five degrees, which
would cause the arrow to revolve as soon as it left the hand of the archer,
insuring more accurate aim and causing an ugly wound.

At a point on Sandusky Bay known as Martin’s Cave are several mounds
of small pieces of stone. They have been repeatedly investigated, but nothing
of importance found in them. There are also several earth mounds in that
vicinity which as yet remain untouched.

Tradition, the ally of the historian, has made mention of a fort in this vicin-
ity which has finally been located about one mile south of Venice. Repeated
plowing and the washings of many years have effaced all semblance as regards
embankments, but by the discoloration of the soil the outline is plainly defined,
and within its prescribed limits, at various times, have been found stone pipes,
and a number of those curious combination bird and animal shape totems.
They have often the body, legs and ears of an animal, and a bill like a duck.
Through the feet are drilled small holes, for what purpose is a mystery. Nu-
merous other relics have been found differing from any known to be in any of
the large collections of the State.

The same general condition of things is found on the banks of the Huron
and Vermillion Rivers, and in fact throughout the whole county; but that part
of it nearest to and within easy reaching distance of Sandusky City has been
the most thoroughly examined, and from it in particular the facts have been
noted, and the deductions drawn which appear in this article. To whatever
race made and used these tools and weapons must be given the credit for in-
genuity, skill and persistent effort. With stone hammers they fashioned their
tomahawks and fleshers, and sharpened and polished them on stones of Berea
grit, by rubbing them in a circle until the desired effect was obtained. With
the bow and flint-drill were made the holes in the totems and pipes, they bear-
!ng the marks of the sharp edges of the drills to this day. The pipes were first
fashioned as regards shape and style, and then drilled. I have two in my col-
lection finished, with the exception of boring, which in each is begun at the
stem and bowl. They sawed by means of sand and water on the same princi-
ple of to-day, until the required depth was reached, and broke the remainder.
Time to them was an unknown quantity, but that admitted, the results they ob-
tained were wonderful. The material for their fleshers, hammers and toma-
hawks were obtained from the beds of the creeks. Mill’s Creek, especially, at
some points being full of small boulders of the same material as the relics found.
The chert came from the limestone beds, and the flint from a distance ; the
flat totems from stones picked up on the lake shore, and other tools and weap-
ons from stones whose natural adaptation attracted their notice. Beginning
with the crudest relics found by comparison it is an easy matter to trace the
progress made not by long strides, but little by little, adding detail to detail,
until perfection in the material used was obtained. Adaptation to circum-
stances is a natural law governing the human race.

■

Indian Occupation.

There is also an inherent force urging mankind to greater effort, but then
even, the diversity of their product, the skill developed, and the patience shown
are marvelous, and to the student an endless source of admiration.

A large number of specimens from Erie county have been donated to the
Fremont and Firelands Associations, aside from those to the collections of Dr.
Stroud, Mr. Williams and my own, which together number more than three
thousand, nearly all of which have been collected personally, by careful and
persistent search. They embrace spear and arrow points; of the latter nine va-
rieties being found, pipes of pottery and stone, carved and plain, tomahawks,
fleshers, hammers, mortars and pestles, totems of different design and material,
drills, bone awls, wampum, beads of pottery, flint knives, polishing-stones,
round hammered stones, used as a bolas, bears claws, with holes drilled through
them, evidently parts of amulets and necklaces, worn by the braves as proof
of their prowess, and a large number of unique specimens which the writer has
never seen classified or described.

To the student and collector Erie county is a splendid field for observation
and exploration, yielding rich rewards for rightly directed, systematic research.
As yet no concerted action in this direction has been taken, or sufficient inter-
est awakened to form a society for that purpose. Erie county should not be
behind in so important a matter, and it is hoped such an organization will soon
be effected, and many discoveries made that will throw light upon this subject,
and many specimens added to a large nucleus, ready to be donated to so wor-
thy an object.

CHAPTER III.

The Indian Occupation — The Eries — Their Destruction by the Five Nations — The
Iroquois Confederacy — Lake Erie — Its Name and Derivation — The Huron or Wyandot
Indians — Their Subjugation by the Five Nations — Other Tribes of this Region — Incidents
Concerning Them — Their Final Removal.

THE first nation of Indians concerning whom any reliable information is
obtainable as having occupied the lands bordering on Lake Erie in this
vicinity was the Eries, and they, prior to their destruction by the powerful
Iroquois Confederacy, occupied the greater part of the country on the south of
the lake. From this tribe, or nation, the lake derives its name. The name,
Erie, was always mentioned by the early French writers as meaning “ Cat.”
On Sanson’s map, published in 1651, Lake Erie is called “Lac du Chat,” Lake
of the Cat. There were certainly no domestic cats among the Indians until
introduced by the whites, and the name must be attributed to the wild cat or

History of Erie County.

panther. It may have been assumed by this tribe because its warriors thought
themselves as ferocious as these animals, or it may have been assigned to them
by their neighbors because of the abundance of wild cats and panthers in the
territory occupied by the Eries. It is, then, first with this nation that we have
to deal. The precise years in which these events occurred are uncertain, nor
is it accurately known whether the Eries or other tribes first felt the anger of
the Five Nations (the Iroquois). According to early French writers, among
these Indians there lived a tradition that runs somewhat as follows :

The Eries had been jealous of the Iroquois from the time the latter formed
their confederacy. About the time under consideration the Eries challenged
their rivals to a grand game of ball, a hundred men on a side, for a heavy stake
of furs and wampum. For two successive years the challenge was declined,
but when it was again repeated it was accepted. The Eries were defeated, and
then proposed a foot-race between ten of the fleetest young men on each side.
Again the Iroquois were victorious. Still later the Eries proposed a wrestling
match between ten champions on each side, the victor in each bout to have the
privilege of knocking out his adversary’s brains with his tomahawk. This
challenge, too, was accepted, though, as the various Iroquois historians assert,
with no intention of claiming the forfeit if successful. In the first bout the
Iroquois wrestler threw his antagonist, but declined to play the part of execu-
tioner. The chief of the Eries, infuriated by his champion’s defeat, himself
struck the unfortunate wrestler dead, as he lay supine where the victor had
flung him. Another and another of the Eries was in the same way conquered
by the Iroquois, and in the same way dispatched by the wrathful chief, until
the Eries were thrown into a state of terrific excitement, and the leader of the
confederates, fearing an outbreak, ordered his followers to take up their march
home.

But the jealousy and hatred of the Eries was still more inflamed by their
defeat, and they soon laid a plan to surprise, and, if possible, destroy the Iro-
quois. In this they were foiled and terribly beaten in an open conflict. After-
wards a powerful body of the descendants of the Eries went from the west to
attack the Iroquois, but were utterly defeated and slain.

Such is the tradition. It is a very nice story for the Iroquois. None of
these scenes was enacted in this region, but in the far eastern country occu-
pied by the Eries ; and as the possessors of the soil hereabouts were engaged
actively in that series of events, it is here related.

The time of the destruction of the Eries by the Iroquois is somewhat uncer-
tain, but from all authorities it may be placed at about 1655. It was certainly
later than 1645, and earlier than 1660.

This fierce Iroquois nation possessed the soil of this region for a few years
after the subjugation of the Eries, but as their possessions were so vast, and
they were engaged in a terrible warfare with the Delawares, soon after they

Indian Occupation.

withdrew from its actual occupation, still, however, exercising authority and
acts of ownership until their treaty with the whites extinguished their claim to
title.

A word or two will suffice to describe these temporary possessors of the
-soil of Erie county, who have been variously known as the Five and subse-
quently as the Six Nations and as the Iroquois Confederacy. It should be
said that the name “Iroquois” was never applied by the confederates to them-
selves. It was first used by the French, and its meaning is veiled in obscu-
rity. The men of the Five Nations (afterwards the Six Nations) called them-
selves “ Hedonosaunee,” which means literally, “They form a cabin”; describ-
ing in this expressive manner the close union existing among them. The
Indian name just quoted is more liberally and commonly rendered “ The Peo-
ple of the Long House which is more fully descriptiveof the confederacy,
though not quite so accurate a translation.

The tribes comprising the Five Nations were the Mohawks, Onondagas, «
Oneidas, Cayugas and Senecas. During one of their warlike excursions to the
Carolinas they were assisted by the Tuscaroras in overpowering the Powhat-
tans. At a later period the Tuscaroras were overcome by the Powhattans and
whites and driven out of the country. They came north and were taken into
the confederacy, whereupon the Five Nations became the Six Nations.

The best authority regarding the name of the first Indian occupants of this
region is the work of the Jesuit priest, Father Louis Hennepin, published
about the year 1684, in which he says: “These good fathers were great
friends of the Hurons, who told them that the Iroquois went to war beyond
Virginia, or New Sweden, near a lake which they called ‘ Erige,’ or * Erie,*
which signifies ‘the cat,’ or ‘nation of the cat;’ and because these savages
brought captives from the nation of the cat in returning to their cantons along
this lake, the Hurons named it, in their language, ‘ Erige,’ or ‘ Ericke,’ ‘the
lake of the cat,’ and which our Canadians, in softening the word, have called
4 Lake Erie.’ ”

Another French writer, Charlevoix, says respecting the lake : “ The name
it bears is that of an Indian nation of the Huron (Wyandot) language, which
was formerly seated on its banks, and who have been entirely destroyed by
the Iroquois. Erie, in that language, signifies cat, and in some accounts, this
nation is called the Cat Nation. This name probably comes from the large
number of those animals formerly found in this country.” — Howe's Hist. Col.

From this it is inferred that the Hurons were the successors to the soil of
this region under sufferance of the Iroquois Confederacy. Charlevoix credits
the Hurons, or Wyandots, for they were the same people, with speaking the
same language as the Eries. This would seem to confirm the theory advanced
by some writers of note that a remnant of the unfortunate Eries, some years
after their subjugation, returned and possessed the soil of their fathers,

History of Erie County.

although unwilling to assert their relationship to the Eries through fear of an-
other visitation of the vengeance of the dreaded Iroquois.

But the Hurons, too, fell victims to the merciless attacks of these fierce
confederates, for, says Johnson: “After the overthrow of the Kahquahs and
Eries the Iroquois went forth conquering and to conquer. This was probably
the day of their greatest glory. Stimulated but not yet crushed by contact
with man, they stayed the progress of the French into their territories, they
negotiated on equal terms with the Dutch and English, and, having supplied
themselves with the terrible arms of the pale- faces, they smote with direst
vengeance whomsoever of their own race were so unfortunate as to provoke
their wrath.

“ On the Susquehanna, on the Alleghany, on the Ohio, even to the Mis-
sissippi in the west and the Savannah in the south, the Iroquois bore their
conquering arms, filling with terror the dwellers alike on the plains of Illinois
and in the glades of Carolina. They strode over the bones of the slaughtered
Kahquahs and Eries to new conquests on the lakes beyond, even to the foam-
ing cascades of Michillimacinac, and the shores of the mighty Superior. They
inflicted such terrible defeat upon the Hurons, despite the alliance of the latter
with the French, that many of the conquered nation sought safety on the
frozen borders of Hudson’s Bay. In short, they triumphed on every side,
save only where the white man came, and even he was for a time held at bay
by these fierce confederates.”

The seat of government of the Erie Indians was in the western part of New
York State, but their possessions extended westward along the lake even to
this region and beyond it on the west. With the Hurons or Wyandots their
relations were entirely friendly and they spoke the same language. The Hu-
rons occupied, in their time, this locality, both on the east and west, in the lat-
ter direction their lands extended to Lake Huron, and from them that body of
water derives its name.

The name “ Wyandot ” is applied to a branch of this family or people, as
it was a custom followed for hundreds of years to give the scattered branches
of the parent tribe some name suitable to the locality in which they chanced
to dwell.

The name Huron was applied to this people by the French, but its signifi-
cation is unknown.

The Ottawas, also, were a tribe of Indians that used to visit this locality,,
but their main seat of residence was on the Maumee. The “Ottawa,” is an
Indian word meaning “ trader.”

Occasionally there comes information that other tribes have been repre-
sented in this vicinity, and frequently some chief of prominence in the wars
made a visit here. The Shawnees were one of these. They came from the
country of the Susquehanna River of Pennsylvania, having been compelled to

• , ■. -• ■ . . > ;• . 1 ■ • ■■ - '

1 •' -

French Dominion.

leave that region by the sale of the lands to the proprietaries of that province
by the Five Nation Indians. The Shawnees were formerly allied to the Dela-
wares, and with the latter were beaten by the Iroquois in their greatest devas-
tating and conquering excursion. They (the Shavvnees) are supposed to have
been of Southern origin. They spoke the Algonquin language.

Some of these Indians 'figured in the early wars, but their depredations
were confined to the localities where white settlement had made an advance.
Therefore we can furnish to the reader none of the blood-curdling incidents or
tales of horror as having occurred within the boundaries of Erie county, Yet,
in a general way, as a part of the history of this region, some reference will
be made to the early battles in Northwestern Ohio.

The last treaty with the Indians by which their title to lands in Ohio was
extinguished was made in the year 1829, and soon thereafter their removal was
commenced under the authority and direction of the general government. It
was nearly ten years later, however, before the last remnant of the tribes was
removed.

CHAPTER IV.

FRENCH DOMINION.

The French Dominion — La Salle —His Voyage up LakeErie — The Griffin — French Opera-
tions in this Region — The French and English Wars — Extinction of French Power in America
— Pontiac's League — The Conspiracy — The War — Peace Again Restored.

FRANCE laid claim to the soil and right of possession of this country by
discovery. The chief central figure in all operations of that sovereign
power was Robert Cavalier de La Salle, a Frenchman of good family, then
thirty-five years of age, and one of the most gallant, devoted and adventur-
ous of all the bold explorers who, under many different banners, opened the
new world to the knowledge of the old. This man arrived at the mouth of
the Niagara in the month of January, 1679. He left his native Rouen at the
age of twenty- two, and from that time forward he was employed in leading a
life of adventure and exploration among the Indians of America. He held a
commission from King Louis to discover the western part of New France, and
in carrying out this work he first came to Lake Erie. He was authorized to
build such forts as were necessary, but at his own expense, being granted cer-
tain privileges in return, the principal of which appears to have been the right
to trade in furs and skins. During this same year, 1679, he sent Sieur de La

* - fcvl sb

History of Erie County.

Motte and Father Hennepin (the priest and historian of his expedition), in ad-
vance to the mouth of the Niagara. La Motte soon returned.

At a point about six miles above the falls La Salle built the first vessel that
navigated the waters of Lake Erie. It was named Le Griffo?i (The Griffin), in
compliment to the Count de Frontenac, minister of the French colonies, whose
coat of arms was ornamented with representations of that mythical beast.

The Griffin was a diminutive vessel compared with the [leviathans of the
deep which now navigate these inland seas, but was a marvel in view of the
difficulties under which it had been built. It was of sixty tons burthen, com-
pletely furnished with anchors and other equipments, armed with seven small
cannon, and filled with thirty-four men, all Frenchmen with a single excep-
tion.

In 1680 La Salle sailed the length of Lake Erie and into the chain of lakes
beyond. Whether he touched Sandusky Bay does not appear, either by rec-
ord or tradition. But his was a voyage of exploration and discovery, and it is
more than possible that he did visit this locality ; and, in view of the subse-
quent French erections in this region, it may reasonably be inferred the in-
trepid commander delighted his eyes with the beautiful harbor of Sandusky
Bay.

To follow La Salle through all his voyages and journeyings is not within
the province of this work. Suffice it to say, therefore, that the Griffin was
lost in the eastern waters of the lake, while her brave commander fell a victim
to the murderous assaults of his own men whom he had employed to serve

him.

For the next half century after the adventures of La Salle, the French
maintained a general but not very substantial ascendency in this region. Their
voyagers traded and their missionaries labored. Among the Huron-Wyan-
dots, and other tribes of this region, they made friends and converts. The
French sovereigns and ministers considered the whole lake region as being un-
questionably a part of “New France" (or Canada). Their maps so described it,
and they looked forward with entire assurance to the time when French troops
and French colonists should hold undisputed possession of all this vast domain.

During the latter years of the seventeenth century the French and English
claimants (for the English claimed also by discovery and possession), became
involved in a conflict, each endeavoring not only to maintain but to extend
their possessions, in the eastern country, and scarcely had an adjustment of
their difficulties been reached and the echoes of conflict died away than they
again became involved in the long contest known as “ Oueen Anne’s War.”

But, meanwhile, through all this western country the French -extended
their influence. Detroit was founded in 1701, the most important, perhaps, of
all the western posts and the key to the whole lake region. Other posts were
established far and wide, but it was not until near the middle of the eighteenth

French Dominion.

25-

century that operations were commenced within the borders of Erie county,
and the offensive and defensive measures were then adopted by the French
and their firm allies, the Hurons, on account of the growing English settle-
ment generally in the region. It has been stated that near the middle of the
seventeenth century, which would be about 1650, some English traders made
a settlement and built a stockade on the site of the present village of Venice,
in Margaretta township ; and that for something like one hundred years were
they in possession before being compelled to leave by the French. The same
authority is also somewhat uncertain as to the exact location of Fort Junan-
dat, but thinks tradition accurately locates it at Venice. Upon the authority
of Evan’s map of the Middle British Colonies the location of Fort Junandat is
given as the east bank of Sandusky River, near the bay, and that it was built
in 1754.

The war between England and France was begun in 1744 and closed by
the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748. None of its more stirring events were
enacted in Erie county, save the incidents to which reference has already been
made, and even they were auxiliary and of subsequent performance. During
these years the Huron- Wyandots remained firm in their allegiance to the
French.

During the eight years of nominal peace which succeeded the treaty, both
the French and English made numerous efforts to extend their dominion be-
yond their frontier settlements, the former with the more success ; and it'was-
unquestionably during these years, and those that followed, down to the out-
break of the struggle for American independence, that the more stirring scenes
of warlike acts were performed in this county and vicinity. To their already
established posts the French added many others, and endeavored to establish a
complete line of defenses from the lakes to the Mississippi. Among these
forts so constructed, although a position of minor importance, was that at the
mouth of the Huron River, within the borders of Huron township ; and
another on the shore of the bay near the site of Sandusky city. They were
constructed in order to afford a protection to the French missionaries, traders
and colonists who were living among the Huron-Wyandot Indians, should
they become, at any time, in need of greater defenses than their own strength.
These forts were abandoned prior to the Revolution.

Frequent detachments of French troops and their Indian allies passed
along the route. Gaily dressed French officers sped backward and forward, at-
tended by the fierce warriors of their allied tribes, and not infrequently the
Hurons. Dark-gowned Jesuits hastened to and fro, everywhere receiving the
respect of the red men, even when their creed was rejected, and using all their
art to magnify the power of both Rome and France.

In 1754 open hostilities and violent acts were indulged in, but it was not
until 1756 that war was again declared between England and France, this-

History of Erie County.

being their last great struggle for supremacy in the New World. At first the
French were everywhere victorious. Braddock, almost at the gates of Fort
Du Ouesne, was slain, and his army cut in pieces by a force utterly contempt-
ible in comparison with his own. Oswego fell. The French lines along the
lakes and across the country were stronger than ever. But gradually the tide
•of war turned in favor of the British, and many of the Indian tribes wavered in
their fidelity to the cause of France. Not so, however, with the Ohio Indians,
who entertained only feelings of hatred for the English. They knew only the
French, and were strongly attached to them — the Ottawas, the Wyandots and
the Chippewas, the inhabitants of this region. The first visit these tribes re-
ceived from the English was after the surrender of Vaudreuil, when Major
Robert Rogers was sent to take charge of Detroit. He left Montreal in Sep-
tember, 1760. By way of Presque Isle he proceeded slowly up Lake Erie and
reached Detroit on the 19th of November. He at once demanded the sur-
render of the post, but it was not until the 29th that Beleter, the commander,
yielded, and this important point passed into possession of the British.

While before Detroit Major Rogers was visited by the great Ottawa chief,
Pontiac, and between them a friendship was at once formed. From Detroit, in
December, 1760, Rogers proceeded to the Maumee, and thence across Ohio to
Fort Pitt. His route lay “ from Sandusky, where Sandusky city now is,
crossed the Huron River, then called Bald Eagle Creek, to ‘ Mohickon John’s
Town,’ upon what we know as Mohicon Creek, the northern branch of White
Woman’s River, and thence crossed to Beaver’s Town, a Delaware town on
the west side of the ‘ Maskongam Creek,’ opposite ‘a fine river,’ which, from
Hutchins’s map, we presume was Sandy Creek.”

The reader will observe that the worthy historian places the fort on or near
the site of Sandusky city. Evan’s map of the Middle British Colonies locates
it on the west of Sandusky River, and a third authority, referred to before in
this chapter, gives it as near Venice. As to which may be correct is a ques-
tion that, perhaps, cannot be satisfactorily settled at this day, but from the best
information at hand it is thought that Venice was not the site of the fort, but
that it was several miles distant therefrom.

The years 1761 and 1762 proved disastrous to the French arms, and soon
the struggle was over. The English Octavius had defeated the Gallic Antony.
Forever destroyed was the hope of a French peasanty inhabiting the plains of
Erie county ; of baronial castles crowning the vine-clad heights of the islands
-of the lake ; of a gay French city overlooking the placid waters of Sandusky
Bay. The treaty of peace between England and France was ratified in Feb-
ruary, 1763, and by that treaty Canada was ceded to the former power. Not-
withstanding the disappearance of the French soldiers, the western tribes still
remembered them with affection, and were still disposed to wage war upon the
English. The celebrated Pontiac united nearly all these tribes in a league

French Dominion.

2 7

against the red-coats, immediately after the advent of the latter, and, as na
such confederation had been formed against the French, during all their long
years of possession, this action of Pontiac must be assigned to some cause other
than mere hatred of all civilized intruders. In truth, there appeared abundant
room for the belief that Pontiac was but carrying out the schemes devised by
some of the more revengeful of the defeated Frenchmen. And but two short
years before this league was formed, and while the war between the English
and French was working hard against the latter and defeat seemed inevitable,
this same chief of the Ottawas is credited with having said: “ Englishmen !

Although you have conquered the French, you have not yet conquered us. We
are not your slaves. These lakes, these woods, these mountains, were left to
us by our ancestors. They are our inheritance, and we will part with them to
none. Your nation supposes that we, like the white people, cannot live with-
out bread, and pork and beef. But you ought to know that He, the Great
Spirit and Master of Life, has provided food for us upon these broad lakes and
in these mountains.”

So powerful indeed was the Pontiac league that the old animosity existing
between some of the tribes and the Iroquois was, for the time, laid aside, and
a few of the Five Nations joined the great body. By far the greater portion,
however, were of the Ottawa, Wyandot, Chippewa, Miami, Delaware and
Shawnee tribes. All from this region were enlisted in league.

In May, 1763, the league surprised nine out of twelve English posts, and
massacred their garrisons. Detroit, Pittsburg and Niagara alone escaped sur-
prise, and each successfully resisted a siege, in which branch of warfare, in-
deed, the Indians were almost certain to fail.

I i September of that year occurred the horrible massacre at Devil’s Hole;
and following close upon that, in October, came the awful slaughter of the
forces of Major Wilkins, who was moving to reinforce the garrison at Detroit.

In the West, Pontiac kept up active though unavailing hostilities, and in
the summer of 1764 the English commander-in-chief determined to send a
force up the lakes, able to overcome all opposition. Accordingly, General
Bradstreet, an able officer, with twelve hundred British and Americans, ac-
companied by the indefatigable Sir William Johnson and a body of his faithful
Iroquois warriors. The Senecas, the only tribe of the Iroquois nation that
gave aid to the French, or to Pontiac, were met by Bradstreet and brought
into submission. That commander then embarked on the lake and went to
the relief of Detroit. He caused to be destroyed the Indian towns and crops
through this locality and upon the Maumee, and drove the Indians from the
country.

Arriving at Detroit Bradstreet easily routed the forces of the now disheart-
ened Pontiac, after which he returned to this county and proceeded up San-
dusky Bay and River into the heart of the Wyandot country where he en-

.. ..

' ■

• . ■ •. . .-.v . .v.r. ■ vj Id.: qu ocnol

History of Erie County.

camped. Here he soon after made a peace treaty with the chiefs and sachems
of the hostile tribes.

So ended this struggle that has been known in history as Pontiac’s War.
Peace again was restored, not long, however, to be enjoyed by the already
over-burdened American colonists before the whole country was thrown into a
•state of excitement growing out of the wrongs inflicted by the mother coun-
try, and which finally resulted in overthrow of British rule in America.

Before entering upon a narrative of the events of our country succeeding
Cresap’s War, in order to be entirely just toward all writers, is given an ac-
count of the destruction of the Indian crops in this county, alleged to have
taken place in 1763, but it must be said that the statement lacks verification by
the standard authorities. It is as follows:

“ In June, following (1763), Captain Dalzell, on a coastwise voyage from
Niagara to the relief of Detroit, with a force of two hundred and eighty men,
•stopped at Sandusky, burnt the fields of standing corn, and the Wyandot vil-
lage at Castalia ; then marched his men northward, to Detroit, and relieved the
garrison at that place.”

The expedition sent out by the commander-in-chief of the British forces to
relieve Detroit, was placed under command of General Bradstreet, and its de-
parture was made from Niagara. On their way the Wyandot village and crops
were destroyed, and it is, of course, possible that their destruction may have
been accomplished by a detachment from Bradstreet’s troops under command
-of Captain Dalzell ; still no standard authority credits the latter with command
•of the expedition sent to relieve the post at Detroit.

CHAPTER V.

Events Preceding the Revolution — Twelve Years of Peace — Growing English Power —
Early Commerce of the Lake — The Second Sailing Vessel — The Beaver — The Moravian
Missionaries and Indians — Their Settlement in Erie County — The Revolution.

OF the British and Americans who had been in the closest frendship, and un-
der the same banners had passed to and fro over the county and the lakes,
there were not a few who in twelve more years were destined to seek each oth-
er’s lives on the blood-stained battle-fields of the Revolution. For a while,
however, there was peace, not only between England and France, but between
the Indians and the colonists. The Six Nations, though the seeds of dissen-

■■ '

Preceding the Revolution.

sion were sown among them, were still a powerful confederacy, and their war
parties occasionally made incursions into their county, against their old ene-
mies, the dwrellers of this region, but the latter generally avoided an engage-
ment and withdrew upon their approach. Hither, too, came occasional de-
tachments of red coated Britons passing along the borders of the lake and bay
in open boats journeying westward to Detroit, Mackinaw and other forts and
trading posts.

Along the borders of this country, too, went nearly all the commerce of the
upper lakes, consisting of supplies for the military posts, goods for barter and
trade with the Indians, and the furs received in return. Trade was carried on
almost entirely in open boats propelled by oars, with the occasional aid of a
temporary sail. In good weather tolerable progress could be made, but woe
to any of these frail craft which might be overtaken by a storm.

The New York Gazette in February, 1770, informed its readers that several
boats had been lost in crossing Lake Erie, and that the distress of the crews
was so great that they were obliged to keep two human bodies found on the
north shore, so as to kill for food the ravens and eagles which came to feed on
the corpses. Other boats were mentioned at the same time as frozen up or
lost, but nothing was said as to sail-vessels. There were, however, at least two
or three English trading vessels on Lake Erie before the Revolution, and prob-
ably one or two armed vessels belonging to the British government. One of
the former, called the Beaver , is known to have been lost in a storm on the
southeastern coast of Lake Erie, and to have furnished relics found in that vi-
cinity (Eighteen-Mile Creek) by early settlers, which by some have been attrib-
uted to the ill-fated Griffin.

It was about the year 1770 that the great body of people known as the Mo-
ravian Missionaries and Indians left their established home on the Susquehanna
River in Pennsylvania, and emigrated westward to various places in Ohio and
elsewhere. Their Pennsylvania settlement and colony was in the country of
the Shawnees, among whom they had made many converts and strong friend-
ships. By the treaty and sale of 1768 concluded between the Iroquois and the
proprietaries of the province of Pennsylvania, the lands occupied by the Shaw-
nees and the Moravians as well, passed into the control of the proprietors,
whereupon the occupants prepared to vacate, although such action was not en-
forced.

The Iroquois claimed title to this whole country of Pennsylvania by con-
quest, and from that time the Shawnees were a broken people, many of whom
came to Ohio and made a settlement in this region, while others remained on
the Susquehanna, as they were permitted to do by the conquerors. Rev. Chris-
tian Frederick Post seems to have been the leader of the missionaries, and his
influence among all the Indian people was something remarkable. He was the
great mediating power between the whites and natives in time of trouble, and
5

• J ■■■ ‘Jt ' ' V

History of Erie County.

his strength among the savages was attained through his entire freedom from
deception, sham, avarice. Truth and singleness of mind were his characteris-
tics. The Indians knew this and trusted him as fully as if he was of their own
people.

Some of the Moravians accompanied the Shawnees at the time of their ear-
liest immigration into Ohio, but the great body did not come until many years
later, the time mentioned above. One branch or body of them made a settle-
ment in Erie county on the Huron River about two miles from Milan, but after-
ward moved to Milan. The precise date of their coming is not known, but it
is supposed to have been soon after the Revolutionary War; still some authori-
ties place their coming at an earlier day.

Concerning these people in this county we extract the following sketch from
the work of Mr. Henry Howe, the sketch having been contributed by Rev. E.
Judson, of Milan : “ On the spot where the town of Milan now stands, there

was, at the time of the survey of the fire-lands in 1807, an Indian village, con-
taining within it a Christian community, under the superintendence of Rev.
Christian Frederick Dencke, a Moravian missionary. The Indian name of the
town was Petquotting. The mission was established here in 1804. Mr. Dencke
brought with him several families of Christian Indians from the vicinity of the
Thames River in Upper Canada. They had a chapel and a mission-house,
and were making good progress in the cultivation of Christian principles, when
the commencement of the white settlements induced them in 1809 to emigrate
with their missionary to Canada. There was a Moravian mission attempted as
early as 1787. A considerable party of Christian Indians had been driven from
their settlement at Gnadenhutton on the Tuscarawas River, by the inhuman
butchery of a large number of the inhabitaits by the white settlers. After years
of wandering, with Zeisberger for their spiritual guide, they at length formed a
home on the banks of the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland, which they named
Pilgerruh, “Pilgrim’s Rest”. They were soon driven from this post, whence
they came to the Huron, and commenced a settlement on its east bank, and
near the north line of the township. To this village they gave the name of
New Salem. Here the labors of their indefatigable missionary were crowned
by very considerable success. They were soon compelled to leave, however,
by the persecutions of the pagan Indians. It seems to have been a portion of
these exiles who returned in 1841 to commence the new mission.”

In 1775 the Revolution began. Its important events were enacted without
the boundaries of what now constitutes the State of Ohio. Still, it is to- that
war that Erie county owes some of the most important events of its early his-
tory, for, by reason of the sufferings of residents of Connecticut at the hands
of the British, the whole body of land now embraced by the county and more,
was donated to them, and the historic “ Firelands” were brought into exist-
ence. This subject will appear fully discussed in a later chapter of this work.

. ■ .... **> . " - .

Acquisition of Land Titles.

During the War of the Revolution, Indian sentiment was divided. The pow-
erful Six Nations, through the influence of Sir William Johnson, and, after his
death in 1774, of his nephew, Colonel Guy Johnson, remained true to the cause
of Great Britain, while many of the tribes who had been allied to the French
during the early wars, inclined to the cause of the colonies, who were receiving
not only sympathy, but substantial support from the French government. Still,
many tribes were unwilling to aid the patriot cause for the reason that their
settlements were becoming too numerous, and they were transgressing against
what the Indians firmly believed to be their undeniable rights. The inhabit-
ants of this region were not called into active service, either aggressive or de-
fensive ; they were destined to wait for coming years when later wars called
them into action, which ended in their defeat, the loss of their favorite hunting
and fishing grounds, and they themselves compelled to end their days in a new
country beyond the Mississippi.

With the surrender of Cornwallis, in October, 1781, hostilities ceased. In
the fall of 1783 peace was formally declared between Great Britain and the re-
volted colonies, henceforth to be acknowledged by all men as the United States
of America, of which Lake Erie formed a portion of the northern boundary.
Although the forts held by the British on the American side of the line were not
given up for many years afterward, and although they thus retained a strong
influence over the Indians located on this side, yet the legal title was admitted
to be in the United States. Thus the unquestioned English authority over
the territory of Erie county lasted only from the treaty with France in 1763,
to that with the United States in 1783, a little over twenty years.

CHAPTER VI.

Extinguishment of Indian Titles to Land — Treaty at Fort McIntosh — Fort Laurens —
Fort Finney — Battle at Fallen Timbers — Wayne’s Victor}’ — Treaty at Fort Industry —
Text of the Treaty — The Indian Title to Lands of Erie County Vested in the United States —
Later Events — The War of 1812-15.

IN the peace treaty made between Great Britain and the United States no
provision was made for the Indians who had been hostile to the American
arms. It became, therefore, one of the most important duties of the govern-
ment to peaceably acquire the Indian title and there seemed to be a general de-
sire to possess the territory northwest of the Ohio River. The British gov-
ernment had already offered their supporting Indians territory in the Canadas,
but this offer was accepted only by the Mohawks.

•

■

History of Erie County.

The treaty at Fort McIntosh was made on the 2ist of January, 1785, with
the Wyandots, Delawares, Chippewas and Ottawas, by the terms of which they
released all claim to lands of the Ohio Valley, and established the boundary
line between them and the United States to be the Cuyahoga River, and along
the main branch of the Tuscarawas to the forks of said river near Fort Laurens,
thence westwardly to the Portage between the head waters of the Great Miami
and the Maumee or Miami of the lakes ; thence down said river to Lake Erie
and along said lake to the mouth of the river Cuyahoga. This treaty was ne-
gotiated by George Rogers Clark, Richard Butler and Arthur Lee for the gov-
ernment and by the chiefs representing the several tribes.

Subsequently, on January 31, 1786, at Fort Finney, the Shawnees accepted
the terms of this treaty and became a party to it. This treaty retained to the
several tribes mentioned the right to possess the lands along Lake Erie from
the Cuyahoga to the Maumee, and thenceforth they, the Wyandots, Ottawas,
Chippewas, Delawares and Shawnees occupied the lands of Erie and adjoining
counties.

The treaty at Fort Harmar, held by General St. Clair, January 9, 1789,
was but confirmatory of the former treaties, and was necessitated by the dis-
content of the tribes who were parties to them.

It was not long, however, before the Indians again violated their agreement
and their acts led to the salutary punishment administered by Gen. Wayne in
the ever memorable battle of Fallen Timbers on the 20th day of August,
179 4-

This decisive victory resulted in the treaty at Greenville, in which Wayne
met chiefs of the most powerful of the northwestern tribes and made an amica-
ble adjustment of all difficulties.

It may be stated as a matter of fact and interest that the insurrectionary
movement on the part of the Indians that led to their chastisement at Fallen
Timbers was instigated by the British occupants of the forts in the Maumee
country. And further, after Wayne’s victory some unpleasant words passed
between the officers of the post and Wayne’s men. This coming to the ears of
the “old warrior,” he at once intimated that if they wanted a taste of his met-
tle their wishes should be gratified. Wayne knew perfectly well that the jeal-
ous and beaten British had incited the Indians to such acts and depredations
as they had committed.

Of the many treaties made with the Indians for the purpose of acquiring
the title to lands claimed by them there was not one perhaps in which such
extreme care was exercised as in that held at Fort Industry on the 4th day of
July, 1805. A portion of the lands involved in this purchase were the Western
Reserve of Connecticut, the title to which had been ceded by that State to the
United States, subject, however, to the rights of owners prior to Connecticut’s
deed of cession.

Acquisition of Land Titles.

It was the intention of the agent of the government that the council should
be convened at Cleveland, but owing to the inability of the representatives of
all the tribes to meet there, another meeting was arranged to be held at Fort
Industry, on the Maumee, which was done on the 4th of July, 1805.

It is possible that the reader may be somewhat confused regarding some of
the provisions of this treaty and their application and force, but after having
read the chapter on the “ Western Reserve,” and the “ Firelands ” the whole
subject will become clear.

The treaty with its preceding certificate and the president’s proclamation
in conclusion is as follows: “To all to whom these presents shall come,
greeting : I certifiy, that the annexed writing contains a true copy of a
treaty concluded with certain Indian tribes at Fort Industry, on the 4th day
-of July, 1805, the original whereof remains in this office. In faith whereof, I,
Robert Smith, secretary for the department of state of the United States of
America, have signed these presents and caused the seal of my office to be af-
fixed hereto, at the city of Washington, this 22d day of March, A. D. 1809,
and in the thirty-third year of the independence of the said States.

“ [L. S.] R. Smith.

“ Thomas Jefferson , President of the United States of America : To all to
whom these presents shall come, greeting :

“WHEREAS, a treaty was held on the 4th day of July, A. D. one thousand
eight hundred and five, under the authority of the United States, with the
sachems, chief and warriors of the Wyandot , Ottawa , Chippeway , Munsee and
Delaware , Shawanee and Pottowatomie nations or tribes of Indians at Fort
Industry on the Miami of the lake, in the presence and with the approbation
of Charles Jewett, the commissioner of the United States appointed to hold
the same, the following agreement was made between the said nations
and tribes of Indians and the agent of the land companies hereinafter men-
tioned.

“ A treaty between the United States of America and the sachems, chiefs
and warriors of the Wyandot , Ottawa , Chippewa , Mitnsee , and Delaware ,
Shawanee and Pottazvatomie nations, holden at Fort Industry, on the Miami
of the lake, on the 4th day of July, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and
five.

“WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, did appoint
Charles Jewett, esquire, a commissioner to hold a treaty with said Indian
Nations, for the purpose of enabling the agents of the Connecticut Reserve to
negotiate and conclude a cession of their lands ; and,

“WHEREAS, The company incorporated by the name of the ‘Proprietors
-of the half million acres of land lying south of Lake Erie, called “ Sufferers’
Lands,” ’ and the owners and proprietors of the one half million acres of land,

History of Erie County.

part of said Connecticut Reserve, lying on the west end thereof, and south of
the shore of Lake Erie ; and,

“ WHEREAS, The Connecticut Land Company, so called, are the owners
and proprietors of the remaining part of said Reserve lying west of the river
Cuyahoga ; and,

“WHEREAS, Henry Champion, esquire, agent of the said Connecticut
Land Company, and Isaac Mills, esquire, agent of the directors of the com-
pany, incorporated by the name of the ‘ Proprietors of the half million acres of
land lying south of Lake Erie, called “Sufferers’ Lands,” ’ were both duly au-
thorized and empowered by their respective companies and the directors there-
of, to treat for the cession and purchase of said Connecticut Reserve.

“ Now, Knoiu all men by these presents, That we, the sachems, chiefs, and
warriors of the Nations aforesaid, for the consideration of eighteen thousand
nine hundred sixteen and sixty-seven one-hundredths dollars received of the
companies aforesaid, by the hands of their respective agents, to our full satis-
faction, have ceded, remised, released, and quit claimed, and by these presents
do cede, remise, release, and forever quit claim to the companies aforesaid, and
the individuals composing the same, and their heirs and assigns forever, all the
interest, right, title, and claim of title of the said Indian Nations respectively,
of, in and to all the lands of said companies lying west of the river Cuyahoga,
and the portage between that and the Tuscarawas branch of the Muskingum,
north of the northernmost part of the forty-first degree of north latitude, east
of a line agreed and designated in a treaty between the United States and said
Indian Nations, bearing even date herewith, being a line north and south one
hundred and twenty miles due west of the west line of Pennsylvania, and south
of the northvvesternmost part of the forty-second degree and two minutes
north latitude, for them the said companies respectively, to have, hold, occupy,
peaceably possess and enjoy the granted and quit-claimed premises forever, free
and clear of all let, hindrance, or molestation whatever, so that said Nations
and neither of them, the sachems, chiefs, and warriors thereof, and neither of
them, or any of the posterity of said nations respectively, shall ever hereafter
make any claim to the quit- claimed premises, or any part thereof, but there-
from said Nations, the sachems, chiefs, and warriors thereof, and posterity of
said Nations shall be forever barred.

“In witness whereof, The commissioner of the United States, the agents
of the Companies aforesaid, and the sachems, chiefs, and warriors of the respec-
tive Indian Nations aforesaid, have hereunto inter-changeably fixed their seals
and set their names.

“ Charles Jewett, (l. s.)

“ Henry Champion, (l. s.)

“ Isaac Mills, (l. s.)

“Nekik, or Little Otter, (l. s.)”

' . •

■

? T*a^h»- -^HgSrx #***'

Acquisition of Land Titles.

: ■*'

Here follows the names of the other sachems, etc., of the aforesaid Indian
tribes :

“ In the presence of William Dean, C. F. L. C.

“J. B. Mower,

“ Jasper Parish.

“ Now, be it known, that I, Thomas Jefferson, president of the United
States of America, having seen and considered the said treaty, do, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, accept, ratify and confirm
the same and every article and clause thereof.

“ In testimony whereof \ I have caused the seal of the United States to be
hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand.

“ Done at the city of Washington, the 25th day of January, A. D. one
thousand eight hundred and six, and of the independence of the United States
of America the thirtieth.

. 1560915 “Th. Jefferson.

“ B}' the President

“James Madison, Secretary of State.

“ Recorded and examined by Isaac Mills, Clerk.’'

Thus, by this treaty, was ended the right to possession or claim of title of
any of the Indian tribes to the territory of Erie county, but it was a number
of years thereafter before they entirely disappeared from the region, and not
until their removal was ordered by the general government, some twenty-five
or more years later. Many remained to end their days on their favorite hunt-
ing and fishing grounds in the region of the lake, the bay, and the Sandusky
and Huron Rivers and other streams of the locality. And we have records,
too, of one at least, who performed missionary labors among his brethren, and
who finally met a tragic death at the hands of one whom he had sought to
befriend. This worker for the spiritual welfare of the resident tribes was the
chief, Ogontz, of the Ottawa nation. It is said that his cabin stood upon the
site of Sandusky City.

After the extinguishment of the Indian titles to lands in this vicinity had
been completed, the proprietors of the various companies took immediate steps
for their improvement and settlement ; but in this direction not much was
accomplished, and only a few families settled on the Firelands prior to the
war of 1812. The whole country was in an unsettled condition on account of
the difficulties then existing, and which led to the declaration of war, and but a
few availed themselves of the offer of lands in Erie county.

The Indian occupants of the soil were unfriendly to the American colonists,
and they committed many petty depredations at the direct instigation of the
British, who still held various posts on the frontier.

To meet and check these acts of hostility troops were ordered to the north-
western country, and the government was strongly urged to place a naval war

: 11 ' l 1 • ' *

History of Erie County.

fleet on Lake Erie to engage the British fleet already there. Hull was in com-
mand at Detroit at this time, and while the Democratic or Republican (for at
this time they were both one) element of the National Congress was in favor
of immediate and decisive action, nevertheless they were continually embar-
rassed and hampered by the Federalists who were a large and influential minor-
ity of the House, and were opposed to the war and demanded further negoti-
ations with Great Britain. This delay enabled the British to perfect their
organization and strengthen their military posts.

Early in the year 1812, and prior to the actual outbreak of the war, the
Indians of this locality became troublesome — so much so that an organization
was perfected at Huron to resist any attack, and, if possible, to prevent further
outrages. But while the citizens were in meeting for the purpose stated, a
report was brought in that two men, Gibbs and Buel, had been foully murdered
at a point not far south from Sandusky. As soon as the report was confirmed,
these “ Minute men” of Erie county started in pursuit of the murderers and
eventually captured them. They were Omeek and Semo. The former was
hanged at Cleveland, but the latter, who was not secured until later, knowing
his probable fate, died by his own hand.

In the latter part of June, 1812, the war was commenced. Hull, as has
been stated, was in command at Detroit, and through his inefficiency and
blundering that post was surrendered to the British on the 16th of August,
together with the whole command, numbering nearly fifteen hundred men,
while the opposing force reached less than one thousand.

Indian outrages in this locality continued even while the British with their
allies were besieging Detroit and fighting the various commands sent out by
Hull. The record of these events in Erie county and its immediate vicinity
are so clearly recited in a local publication, made some thirty years ago, that
free quotations are made from it.

“During the same spring (1812) another, and perhaps one of the most
barbarous massacres occurring before or since, took place at the head of Cold
Creek. There were living there at this time the families of D. P. Snow, But-
ler and Putnam, and a girl named Page, all of whom were captured by the
Indians. Snow had erected on Cold Creek a grist-mill in which he usually
kept corn. The Indians, being aware of this, would come in the night and
carry much of it away. Snow devised a plan, by laying boards on the floor
leading from the embankment to the mill in such a manner that when trod
upon they would give way and let the Indians through. After being caught
in this manner several times, they became exasperated and determined upon
revenge. Concealing themselves one morning among bushes that lined the
creek, they awaited the departure from the house of the men who were culti-
vating a field of corn some distance away. After they had gone the savages
approached the cabins, captured the women and children, killed Mrs. Snow,

Acquisition of Land Titles.

who was too ill to travel, together with her small children, and carried the
others captives to Canada, but they were subsequently released.”

After the surrender of Hull the inhabitants of this region were in a still
more defenseless condition, and for mutual preservation and protection organ-
ized a company of “Rangers,” who were placed under command of Captain
Cotton to stand guard at the block-house at Huron, and be in constant readi-
ness for any emergency that might arise. They had not long to wait, how-
ever, for one morning there appeared in the vicinity of Bull’s Island a large
body of Pottowatomies, and, being anxious to engage with them, the Rangers
proceeded by boats to that place. The Indians watched them, unperceived,
until they left the boats and went into the woods, after which they (the In-
dians) destroyed the boats and started to overtake the Rangers. A conflict
followed in which the savages were beaten and routed, but the whites suffered
a serious loss in the killing of two of their number, Comrades Randall and
Mingus, and the serious wounding of Jonas Lee. Their boats being destroyed,
the Rangers were compelled to remain on the island for two days before relief
boats reached them.

At the time of Hull’s surrender, extensive preparations were making to
relieve him and other western posts, particularly those on the Maumee, at
Fort Wayne, and in Illinois. For this object three expeditions were marching,
one of which was to scour the country hereabouts and drive out the hostile
Indians, while the others were to proceed by other routes, each having a com-
mon destination — the Rapids of the Maumee.

The expedition, however, failed of its purpose, and the relief hoped for was
not secured ; and it is doubtful, indeed, whether, had the troops accomplished
the march, any substantial benefit could have been acquired without a co-oper-
ating naval force on the lakes.

Having summarized the leading events of this locality, it will not be nec-
essary to relate the other incidents that occurred during this memorable war.
The main battles were fought in the Eastern States, still the country of the
Maumee, and to the north of it were not without several serious conflicts at
arms. The sieges of Fort Meigs, and Perry’s splendid achievement on Lake
Erie, about twenty-five miles from Sandusky City, were the crowning events
of this region. The American arms were, after three long years of strife, vic-
torious, and with the close of this struggle America had fought her last battle
with a foreign foe.

This last victory of the United States over Great Britain] brought lasting
peace. Nothing now existed to disturb and hinder the tide of emigration west.
From this time, substantially, dates the civil and social growth and develop-
ment of this region of country, although the formal acts of civil organization
had, years before, been accomplished.

■

'Vv:

: ' '

History of Erie County.

CHAPTER VII.

The Soil and Civil Jurisdiction of Ohio — The Connecticut Lands — The Western Reserve
— Connecticut Sufferers’ or Firelands — Detailed Record of Their Organization — Laws — Acts
and Explanations — Surveys — Dissolution of the Firelands Company — Records Transferred
to Huron County.

THERE is unquestionably no subject of greater interest to the average
resident of Erie county than the history of the soil and civil jurisdiction of
that locality already' named. And inasmuch as this county' is embraced within
the limits of what has been variously termed the “ Connecticut Lands,” the
“Western Reserve,” the “Connecticut Sufferers’ Lands”. or “Firelands,” the
subject becomes doubly important to those whose ancestors may have been
identified with the events that led to the donation of these lands for the pur-
poses of compensating losses suffered at the hands of British soldiery.

And it is believed, too, there is no theme that has been more thoroughly
discussed in pioneer assemblages, no subject upon which more has been writ-
ten, and yet one that is as little understood as that — the leading subject of this
chapter.

In order to make a clear and intelligent explanation of this important and
interesting subject, there must be laid a proper foundation, which necessitates
reference to the events of years much earlier than those in which the losses
were suffered that gave rise to the names by which this region is designated.

In the following pages liberal quotations are made from such standard au-
thorities as are extant upon the subject, and as much of the history bearing up-
on it as is a matter of established law, those laws will be copied fully and free-
ly whenever necessary, whether specially referred to at the time or not

The first claimant to the soil of Ohio, and not only that but of America, as
well, was the kingdom of France. This was a claim by right of discovery and
exploration made by the adventurous M. de La Salle, who traversed the coun-
try far and wide, taking possession of each region in the name of his king.

England set up a like claim and finally' the two became involved in the
French and English War, and by' it France was deprived of all title and there-
after our country was under absolute British rule for something over twenty
years.

The result of the Revolutionary War overthrew and ended the rule of Great
Britain and vested in the United States, as conqueror, this vast domain.

But during the rule of the aforementioned sovereign powers, charters, grants
and patents of immense tracts were made, either as a reward of fealty or for
consideration ; and after the United States had become the acknowledged owner
conflicting claims of title in many localities arose, but happily most of them

■

Early Land Claimants.

were settled without recourse to arms. Some of these so far as they relate to
the territory of Ohio, it is proposed to mention. “ Virginia acquired title to
the great Northwest by its several charters, granted by James I, bearing dates
respectively, April io, 1606, May 23, 1609, and March 12, 1611. The col-
ony of Virginia first attempted to exercise authority in and jurisdiction over
that portion of its extensive domains that was organized by the ordinance of
’87 into ‘the territory northwest of the River Ohio,’ when in 1769, the House
of Burgess of that colony passed an act establishing the county of Botetourt, with
the Mississippi River as its western boundary.” Again in 1778 the Legisla-
ture of Virginia subdivided this great territory by the erection of the county
of Illinois, which included within its boundaries all the lands of Virginia lying
west of the Ohio River.

But in 1783, in compliance with the desire of the general government, the
Legislature of Virginia passed an act authorizing and directing her representa-
tives in Congress to execute a deed of cession to the United States, of all her
territory northwest of the Ohio.

Having thus acquired the title to the territory northwest of the Ohio River,
so far, at least, as the claim of Virginia was concerned, Congress immediately
proceeded to adopt measures for its civil government, which measures resulted
in the somewhat celebrated “ Ordinance of ’87,” and which has otherwise been
known as the “ Ordinance of Freedom.” This was the fundamental law of the
great Northwest, upon which were based all territorial enactments, as well as
subsequent State legislation.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts based her claim to the soil of Ohio
upon royal charter granted by James I, in 1620, to the council of Plymouth,
and embracing all the territory of America between the fortieth and forty-
eighth parallels of latitude, extending east and west between the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans and comprising, in area, over one million square miles of land.

In 1785 Massachusetts ceded her claim of title to Ohio soil to the United
States, but reserved the portion concerning which she and New York were in
dispute.

In 1664, Charles II ceded to his brother, the Duke of York, and afterwards
King James II of England, the country from Delaware Bay to the river St.
Croix. This constituted New York’s claim to the western territory, of which
the lands of the Western Reserve were a portion.

. New York relinquished her claim to this territory in 1780, earlier by some
years than any of the other claimants.

The Connecticut claim, that which is of more interest to the people of this
county than all the others, was rested upon royal charter granted by the king
in 1662 to nineteen patentees, bounded by Massachusetts on the north, the
sea on the south, Narragansett Bay oil the east, but extending to the Pacific
Ocean on the west. The northern and southern boundaries of this tract were
the same as form the north and south bounds of the Reserve.

' '

History of Erie County.

Connecticut last of all deeded her claim to Ohio soil, with reservations, to-
the United States in September, 1786, which deed of cession duly authorized
by the Legislature of the State, was as follows:

CESSION FROM THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT.

“To all who shall see these presents, wet William Samuel Johnson and
Jonathan Sturges, the underwritten delegates for the State of Connecticut in
the Congress of the United States, send greeting: Whereas, the General As-
sembly of the State of Connecticut, on the second Thursday of May, in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, passed an act
in the following words, viz. : *Be it enacted by the governor, council , and repre-
sentatives in general court assembled , and by the authority of the same , That
the delegates of this State, or any two of them, who shall be attending the
Congress of the United States, be and they are hereby directed, authorized,
and fully empowered, in the name and behalf of this State, to make, execute,
and deliver, under their hands and seals, an ample deed of release and cession
of all the right, title, interest, jurisdiction and claim, of the State of Connecti-
cut, to certain western lands, beginning at the completion of the forty-first
degree of north latitude, one hundred and twenty miles west of the western
boundary line of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as now claimed by said
Commonwealth, and from thence by a line drawn north parallel to, and one
hundred and twenty miles west of the said west line of Pennsylvania, and to-
continue north until it comes to forty-two degrees and two minutes north lati-
tude. Whereby all the right, title, interest, jurisdiction, and claim of the said
State of Connecticut to the lands lying west of said line to be drawn as afore-
mentioned, one hundred and twenty miles west of the western boundary line
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as now claimed by said Commonwealth,*
shall be included, released and ceded to the United States in Congress assem-
bled, for the common use and benefit of the said States, Connecticut in-
clusive.’ Now, therefore, know ye, that we, the said William Samuel Johnson
and Jonathan Sturges, by virtue of the power and authority to us committed
by the said act of the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, etc., do, by
these presents, assign, transfer, quit-claim, cede, and convey to the United
States of America, for their benefit, Connecticut inclusive, all the right, title,
interest, jurisdiction, and claim, which the said State of Connecticut hath, in
and to the before mentioned and described territory or tract of country, as the
same is bounded and described in the said act of Assembly, for the uses in the
said recited act of Assembly declared.

“ In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this thir-
teenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred

3W ttn ,5Y won x' .anobr ro

Early Land Claimants.

-nc] eighty-six, and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States-
of America the eleventh.

“Will. Sam. Johnson, [l.s.]

“ Jonathan Sturges, [l.s.]

" Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of
“Cha. Thompson,

“ Roger Alden,

“James Mathers.”

It will be observed that this deed of cession, executed and delivered by the
proper officers of the State of Connecticut to the United States, released and
conveyed all lands claimed by the State except that commonly known as the
Reserve ; and while it was intended that the reservation should be made, no
provision of the deed vests any right or civil jurisdiction over the lands of the
Reserve in the United States, but absolute control, not only of the title, but
of jurisdiction over the same remains in the State.

By virtue of an act of Congress passed April 28, 1800, the president was
authorized to issue letters patent to the governor of Connecticut for the lands
of the Reserve, but upon condition that the State renounce all jurisdictional
claims over the same ; and further, that the State execute a deed by its agents
of the same; also expressly providing that the United States should not in
any manner be pledged for the extinguishment of the Indian titles to the lands
of the Reserve. This, the reader will understand, was done on the authority
and at the expense of the State at Fort Industry, on the 4th of July, 1805, to-
which full reference is made in a preceding chapter.

On the 30th day of May, 1800, the additional deed was executed by Gov-
ernor Trumbull, as follows :

“To all who shall see these presents, I, Jonathan Trumbull, governor of
the State of Connecticut, send greeting :

“ Whereas, the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, at their ses-
sion holden in Hartford, on the second Thursday of May, one thousand eight
hundred, passed an act entitled, ‘An act renouncing the claims of this State to-
certain lands therein mentioned,’ in the words following, to-wit:

“ ‘Whereas, the Congress of the United States, at their session, begun and
holden in the city of Philadelphia, on the first Monday of December, in the
year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, made and passed an act in
the words following, to-wit: [Act of Congress of April 28, 1800, hereinbefore
mentioned] ; therefore, in consideration of the terms, and in compliance with
the provisions and conditions of the said act, Be it enacted by the Governor and
Council , and House of Representatives, in General Court assembled, That the
btate of Connecticut doth hereby renounce forever, for the use and benefit of
the United States, and of the several individual States, who may be therein
concerned, respectively, and of all those deriving claims or titles from them or

History of Erie County.

any of them, all territorial and jurisdictional claims whatever, under any grant,
charter or charters whatever, to the soil and jurisdiction of any and all lands
whatever lying westward, northwestward, and southwestward, of those counties
in the State of Connecticut, which are bounded westwardly by the eastern line
of the State of New York, as ascertained by agreement between Connecticut
and New York, in the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty-three ; ex-
cepting only from this renunciation, the claim of the said State of Connecticut,
and of those claiming from and under the said State of Connecticut, to the soil
of said tract of land, in said act of Congress described under the name of the
Western Reserve of Connecticut. And be it further enacted , That the gov-
ernor of this State for the time being, be, and hereby is, empowered, in the
name and behalf of this State, to execute and deliver to the acceptance of the
president of the United States, a deed of the form and tenor directed by the
said act of Congress, expressly releasing to the United States the jurisdictional
claims of the State of Connecticut, to all that territory called the Western Re-
serve of Connecticut, according to the description thereof in said act of Con-
gress, and in as full and ample manner as therein is required.’

“ Therefore, know ye, that I, Jonathan Trumbull, governor of the State of
Connecticut, by virtue of the powers vested in me, as aforesaid, do, by these
presents, in the name and for and on behalf of the said State, remise, release,
and forever quit claim to the United States, the jurisdictional claim of the State
of Connecticut, to all that tract of land called, in the aforesaid act of Congress,
the Western Reserve of Connecticut, and as the same therein under that name
is particularly and fully described.

“ In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my
sea1 in the Council Chamber at Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, this thir-
teenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, and
in the twenty-fourth year of the independence of the United States.

“Jonathan Trumbull, (l. s.)”

Many readers and not a few writers have taken the position that the State
of Connecticut, through her officers, unduly and unwarrantably delayed com-
plying with the desire of Congress, and the United States, in the matter of
ceding her western territory to the general government; and that she (Con-
necticut) thought that by retaining possession under her claim that it might
be held for her own absolute use and control. In this impression there has
been a serious error. Connecticut occupied a position in this matter which was
certainly peculiar, if not embarrassing; her pledge by deed was given and she
was by law and equity bound to protect those persons to whom conveyances
had been made. The State, also, had encouraged the purchase and settlement
of the lands of the reserve by her own people, and it was that their individual
rights might be upheld and sustained that she delayed her deeds of cession ;
and this delay was occasioned by the deliberation and counsel necessary to
ascertain the best means of accomplishing the end sought.

Early Land Claimants.

This position of Connecticut was, so far as we have any established record,
unlike that of any other State claiming these lands, and the others had only
to execute the deeds of cession and were not obliged to protect the rights and
interests of their immediate grantees, having none. This state of affairs led to
the reservation made by the State and gave existence to that which for all sub-
sequent years was known as the “ Western Reserve of Connecticut."

This vast tract of land lies north of the forty- first parallel and south of par-
allel forty-two two minutes; therefore a large portion of Lake Erie comes within
its boundaries. Its eastern limit is the Pennsylvania line, and from that line it
extends west one hundred and twenty miles. In area it covers an extent of
about four million acres of land. The entire Western Reserve embraces the
present counties of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain,
Medina, Portage and Trumbull ; also a major portion of Mahoning and Sum-
mit, and smaller parts of Ashland and Ottawa. Danbury township represents
the portion of Ottawa county that lies within the reserve, and was formerly a
part of Erie, but set off to the former upon the erection thereof in 1840.
Trumbull county, the oldest formed of the reserve territory, was erected in
1800, and included all the lands thereof.

Having now sufficiently described the lands of the Connecticut Western
Reserve, and furnished in detail the reasons of its creation, the next step brings
the reader to a large subdivision of the reserve territory set apart by the State
of Connecticut for purposes therein fully described ; and which subdivision is
properly known as the “ Sufferers’ Land,” but more commonly designated as
the “Fi relands.” Within this tract Erie county is wholly situate.

•It appears that during the War of the Revolution many of the recruits of
the State of Connecticut suffered severe losses of property at the hands of the
British soldiers ; and in order to compensate these people the State set apart
of its Western Reserve, a large tract of land, embracing half a million acres, to
be divided pro rata among them as their respective losses might appear.

The impression had gone abroad among many people that the losses re-
ferred to were suffered by people who were, during the Revolutionary War,
residents of the reserve, and one writer has asserted in his work that such was
the case, as the following extract will show : “ During the Revolutionary War
the inhabitants through this region,” etc. Of course this is a wrong impres-
sion, and it is safe to say that during that war there was not a single perma-
nent resident from Connecticut or elsewhere upon the soil of the reserve, at
least a thorough search fails to disclose such an one. Soon after the close of
the war these sufferers presented a petition to the State of Connecticut asking
that compensation be awarded them for their losses, which petition was re-
ferred to a committee appointed by the Assembly. The action of the Legis-
lature of the State will be fully and clearly shown by their resolution, passed
May io, 1792, as follows:

History of Erie County.

“ Upon the memorial of the inhabitants of the towns of Fairfield and Mo-
hawk showing to this Assembly that many of the inhabitants of said towns
suffered great losses by the devastations of the enemy during the late war,
praying a compensation therefor ; and on report of a committee appointed by
this Assembly at their sessions held in Hartford in May, 1791, to ascertain
from documents in the public offices the amount of the losses of the said mem-
orialists, and others under similar circumstances, which had been estimated
conformably to acts of this Legislature, being such as were incurred by incur-
sions .of the enemy during the late war, distinguishing the losses of buildings
and necessary furniture from those of other articles by said documents, or
otherwise ; and also to ascertain the advancements which have been made to
the sufferers by abatement of taxes, or otherwise ; and report the same with
their opinion relative to the ways and means of affording further relief as per
memorial and report on file.

“ Resolved by this Assembly , That there be, and there hereby is, released
and quit-claimed to the sufferers hereafter named, or their legal representa-
tives, when they are dead, and to their heirs and assigns forever, five hundred
thousand acres of the lands belonging to this State, lying west of the State of
Pennsylvania, and bounding northerly on the shore of Lake Erie, beginningat
the west line of said lands, and extending eastward to a line running northerly
and southerly, parallel to the east line of said tract of land belonging to this.
State, and extending the whole width of said lands, and easterly, so far as to
make said quantity of five hundred thousand acres of land, exclusive of any
lands within said bounds, if any be, which may have been heretofore granted
to be divided to and among the said sufferers, and their legal representatives,
where they are dead, in proportion to the several sums annexed to their names,
as follows, in the annexed list.”

It is not thought to be of sufficient importance to this chapter that there
should be appended the names of individual sufferers to whom lands were
awarded. There were many of them, several hundred, and the losses ranged
from a few shillings to nearly two thousand pounds. It will be understood by
the reader that few, comparatively few, of these people ever became actual
residents of the Firelands. There were many who were entitled to but very
little land, and in nearly every such case the person sold out his claim or
award to another who was entitled to a larger tract, and thus the greater
absorbed the less. More than this, speculators and land operators became
owners of large tracts for the purpose of gain, and they sold to the person of-
fering the largest price. Again, at that time, the Indian title to the Sufferers’
Lands had not been extinguished, nor was this done until thirteen years later.
Neither had they been surveyed, nor was provision made therefor until the
year 1806. There was very little inducement for people to settle in the re-
gion, and those owning tracts held them at such extravagant figures as to

Early Land Claimants.

a!arm the few pioneers that came to the region from other places, so they
passed further west, and to the south, where equally good lands could be pur-
chased and at half the price demanded for those of the Firelands. This proved
a great hindrance to the early growth of Erie county, and even at a much later
dav Sandusky city’s growth was much retarded from like causes. While it is
not deemed advisable to give the names of the sufferers, a mention of the Con-
necticut towns in which the losses were incurred may properly be made.
They were: Greenwich, Norwalk, F'airfield, Danbury, New Haven and East
Haven, New London, Ridgefield and Groton. These names were given to
townships of Erie and Huron counties (this being formerly a part of Huron),
upon their organization, respectively : thus preserving and carrying to this re-
gion the names of townships of Connecticut in which losses were suffered.

An act of the Legislature of Connecticut, passed May, 1795, provided,
“That all deeds conveying any of said lands, shall be recorded in the town
clerk’s office in the town or towns where the loss or damage of the original
grantee or grantees, mentioned in said grant, was sustained, by the town clerk
of such town, in a book to be by him kept for that purpose only.” This act,
however, was revised by the act of 1808.

By virtue of an act of the Connecticut Legislature, passed in 1799, and re-
vised in 1808, it was provided : “That the proprietors of said lands be a body
corporate and politic, and they are hereby ordained, constituted and declared
to be a body corporate and politic, for the purposes herein mentioned, in fact
and in name, and shall be known and called by the name of ‘ The Proprietors
of the Half Million Acres of Land lyi?ig south of Lake Erie' and by that name
they and their heirs and assigns may, and shall, have succession, and shall be
persons known in law, capable of suing and being sued, of pleading and being
impleaded.”

In May, 1797, the same Legislature passed an additional and amendatory
act, which also was revised in 1808, but containing no provisions of impor-
tance bearing on these lands that needs a mention here,

To digress briefly from these events and look to the progress of Ohio to-
ward a State formation, it may be stated that in 1798 the territory reached the
second grade of territorial government, having been found to contain “ five
thousand free male inhabitants, of full age.” Upon this fact being made to
appear to the satisfaction of the governor, on the 29th of October, of that year,
his proclamation, directing the holding of an election for territorial represent-
atives, was issued, and, on the third Monday of December thereafter, officers
were chosen “ to constitute the popular branch of the Territorial Legislature
for the ensuing two years.”

The third session of the Territorial Legislature continued from the 24th of
November, 1801, until the 23d day of January, 1802, when it adjourned to
meet at Cincinnati on the fourth Monday of November following, “ but that
7

■

History of Erie County.

fourth session was never held, for reasons made obvious by subsequent events.”
By an act of Congress, passed April 30, 1802, entitled “An act to enable the
people of the eastern division of the territory northwest of the river Ohio to
form a constitution and State government, and for the admission of such State
into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and for other pur-
poses.”

In pursuance of this enactment an election was held, and members of a
constitutional convention chosen, the first meeting of which convention was
held at Chillicothe, in November, 1802.

The Territorial government of Ohio was ended by the organization of the
State government, March 3, 1803, pursuant to the provisions of the constitu-
tion framed the year before. Therefore, when the Ohio Legislature passed an
act (which she soon did), relative to the Sufferers’ Lands, that was the first
measure adopted by the State of Ohio bearing upon the subject under consid-
eration.

The first official action by the Legislature of Ohio after her admission into the
Union, that had any bearing upon the Firelands, was the passage of an act on
the 15th of April, 1803, entitled, “An act to incorporate the owners and pro-
prietors of (the) half million acres of land, lying south of Lake Erie, in the
county of Trumbull.”

Section 1 of the act provides, “ That the owners and proprietors of said
half million acres of land be, and they hereby are, ordained and constituted a
body politic and corporate, in fact and in name, by the name of ‘ The Proprie-
tors of the half million acres of land, lying south of Lake Erie, called Sufferers’
Land,’ and by that name they, their heirs and assigns, may and shall have
succession, capable of suing and being sued, of pleading and being impleaded.”

Section 2 provides for a board of directors, consisting of nine persons, one
to represent each of the suffering towns of Connecticut, except the town of
New London, which shall have two votes, besides other provisions.

Section 3, “That Jabez Fitch of Greenwich, Taylor Sherwood of Norwalk,
Walter Bradley of Fairfield, Philip B. Bradley, of Ridgefield, James Clark of
Danbury, Isaac Mills of New Haven and East Haven, Elias Perkins and Guy
Richards of New London, and Star Chester of Groton, be and they are hereby
constituted and appointed the first directors for said company, and may hold
their first meeting, after passing of this act, at such time and place as any five
or more of said directors shall appoint,” etc.

Very soon after the conclusion of the treaty with the several Indian tribes,
and even before the same had been confirmed and ratified by the United States,
the proprietors of the Sufferers’ Land took steps to have the same surveyed in-
to townships, and for that purpose authorized Tailor Sherman, one of their
body, to negotiate for and make the necessary arrangements. An agreement
was made by Mr. Sherman, for and on behalf of the proprietors, with John

Early Land Claimants.

McLean and James Clark, both of Danbury, Conn., and they employed Almon
Ruggles to superintend the work.

According to the terms of their agreement McLean and Clark were to re-
ceive the sum of two dollars for each mile surveyed, and an additional fifty
cents per mile should the work be found to be performed satisfactorily, and,
unless the treaty be not confirmed, the survey was to be completed within one
year. But, as frequently occurs where separate parties are interested, and one
depends upon the other, the government surveyors failed to run the south line
of the reserve in time, therefore an extension of one year was granted McLean
and Clark, thus giving them until June I, 1807.

By an agreement entered into, February, 1806, between the Connecticut
Land Company and the Proprietors of the Sufferers’ Lands, it was agreed that
the half million acres should include the territory of Johnson’s Island, but not
the waters of the bay between that island and the main land.

The south or base line of the reserve was surveyed and marked by Seth
Pease, he acting under orders from the secretary of the treasury. This, except
fifty miles next west of the Pennsylvania State line, was performed in June,
1806. This being done the survey and subdivision of the Sufferers’ Lands was
resumed in the last named year, 1806, and completed in about one year there-
after. In some manner in running the base line Air. Pease made an error and
this resulted in some temporary difficulty, which, however, was afterward ad-
justed. The survey and subdivision of the half million acre tract was made by
Almon Ruggles, he using and relying upon the lines and corners established
by the government surveyor, but, through the error therein, this work was re-
quired to be done a second time. In his centennial address Mr. Schuyler re-
marks that the southeast corner of the Firelandswas fixed on the Ludlow line,
“twenty-eight chains and sixty-eight links west from the ninety-fourth mile
post from the Pennsylvania line. The line ran from that point north four de-
grees forty seconds west to the lake, to a point forty-three links east of a black
oak tree marked ‘ J. Snow,’ on the east side, and ‘A. R.’ on the west side, and
standing near the bank of the lake and near the first perpendicular bluff of
rocks, east of the Vermillion River. On computation of the survey, afterwards,
it was found that the quantity of land so cut off was five hundred thousand and
twenty-seven acres.”

From east to west the breadth of the “Sufferers’ Land” was found to be
twenty- five miles, fifty-one chains and thirty-two links, and by the apportion-
ment of the overplus, each township was five miles and two-fifteenths east and
west measurement. The townships bordering on the bay and lake were, of
course, fractional.

The survey of the Firelands being completed, the next move made by tiie
proprietors was the partition and division thereof among those entitled to lands
thereon according to their several interests, which was in this wise: The whole

i. !•/. ! ■ ' » *>i!: iif* ;u ?!>nf>qob

-•

History of Erie County.

tract contained thirty townships, and there being four sections to each, made
an aggregate of one hundred and twenty sections. Upon this basis the whole
loss was divided into one hundred and twenty parts, each part representing one
thousand three hundred and forty-four pounds and seven shillings; therefore,
.each separate section represented that amount in value. For the one hundred
and twenty sections that number of tickets were prepared, on each of which
was written the names of the donees arranged in such manner that each ticket
should represent a loss, as near as possible, of one thousand three hundred and
fifty-four pounds and seven shillings. These tickets were grouped in fours,
each group to represent a township, the value of which, it will be seen, aggre-
gated five thousand three hundred and seven pounds, and eight shillings.
These were then deposited in a box from which they were drawn by some per-
son not interested in the proceeding; and in this manner the lands were appor-
tioned, there being no possible chance for any person to select particular lands,
and therefore no charge of favoritism was ever made, and each person was
bound to accept lands in whatever locality fortune or luck placed him. In fact,
there was but little choice in the lands except that possibly those bordering
upon the lake, bay, or the larger streams of the tract were the most desirable.

The duties of the proprietors were now nearly ended. With the funds in
their hands they caused to be constructed a road leading from the lake south,
along the east side of the Huron River to a point “near the center of the north
line of the township of Norwalk, and thence southward on a line as near the
center of the other townships as the grounds will admit.” This work was per-
formed under the direction of William Eldridge, and cost eight hundred dollars
or thereabouts.

Subsequently other thoroughfares were ordered to be laid and constructed:
One near the line between ranges twenty and twenty-one, running north and
south, one leading east and west, and a continuation of that marked out to be
constructed through lands of the Connecticut Land Company, on the Reserve ;
one running west on the south line of Norwalk township, and continuing west
on other township lines as near as could be done ; another running west on
the south line of Fairfield township. The last two commenced at the north
and south road and continued west to the county line, that is, the west line of
the Sufferers’ Lands. Other roads were also provided for before the final meet-
ing of the board of directors of the proprietors, noticeable among which was one
leading from Norwalk to Sandusky Bay, and another in the township of Dan-
bury, on the peninsula, now in Ottawa county.

As shown by the report of the treasurer, Joseph Darling, the total receipts
of the corporation up to October io, 1809, was $47,775.77, and that the ex-
penditures had been $44,206.66, leaving an unexpended balance in his hands
$3,569. u. This balance was further reduced by appropriations for various
purposes until exhausted.

Early Land Claimants.

The final meeting of the board was held at New Haven, Conn., on the 28th
, f August 181 1, there being present: Guy Richards and William Eldridge rep-
resenting New London ; Ebenezer Avery, jr., for Groton ; Ebenezer Lessup for
J- airfield; Taylor Sherman for Norwalk; Philip B. Bradley for Ridgefield, and
Lpaphras W. Bull for Danbury. A petition was there prepared, addressed to
the General Assembly of Ohio, making report of their proceedings, and asking
that their acts be declared legal by the State, and their records kept and pre-
served in Huron county. This county had been erected two years before.

The reader will bear in mind the fact that down to the time of the final re-
port and dissolution of the body corporate known as “ the proprietors of the
half million acres of land lying south of Lake Erie, called Sufferers’ Land,” all
the business and proceedings thereof were transacted in the State of Connecti-
cut; all records were kept in the towns in which the “Sufferers” respectively
resided, and in books especially provided therefor ; all taxes were payable and
receivable there. In fact all matters relating to these lands were performed in
the same manner as if the Sufferers’ Lands were a part and parcel of Connecti-
cut, except that the records and proceedings were specially and separately kept.

Upon the petition of the directors mentioned above the Legislature of the
State of Ohio, on the 20th day of February, 1812, passed an act of which the
following is a copy :

“Whereas, it is represented to this General Assembly by the directors of
the proprietors of the half million acres of land lying south of Lake Erie called
4 Sufferers’ Land,’ incorporated by that name by an act of the General Assem-
bly of this State, passed the 15th day of April, one thousand eight hundred
and three, that by virtue of the authority vested in them by said act, the said
proprietors have extinguished the Indian Claim of title to said lands, surveyed
and located the same into townships and sections, made an exact partition
thereof to and among the proprietors, and used the surplus monies which re-
mained in the hands of their treasurer after the Indian title was extinguished,
and partition of said lands was made, amounting to two thousand six hundred
dollars, for laying out and improving the public roads in said tract, and have
now fully done and completed all and singular the matters and things which
the interest of said proprietors required, and agreeably to the provisions and
requirements of said act of incorporation.

“And whereas, it is further represented by the said directors, that in trans-
acting the business of said company, under the provisions of the act aforesaid,
they have caused their clerk to make and keep a true entry and record of all
the votes and doings of the directors, agreeably to the requirements of said act,
and that said company have, in consequence thereof, two record books, one of
'-‘•'hich contains the votes and proceedings of the directors, and a record of the
field minutes of the survey of said land ; and the other, a complete partition of
the whole of said half million acres, both of which record books are certified to

■■■ .'■■v. . .

History of Erie County.

be the records of said company, by Isaac Mills, esq., their clerk, and deposited
in the hands of the recorder of Huron county, where the directors of said com-
pany pray they be and remain as a part of the records of said county — There-
fore,

“Sec. i. That the record books, aforesaid, containing the votes and pro-
ceedings of the directors of said company, and records of the field minutes of
said survey of said half million acres, and the records of partition thereof, be
kept by the recorder of Huron county and his successors in office, and that said
record books be and remain a part and parcel of the records of said county,
and that any certified copies therefrom, which may hereafter be made by the
recorder of said county, may be used and read as legal evidence in all courts of
record or elsewhere; and it shall be the duty of the recorder of Huron county,
to give a certified copy of any part of said records, to any person demanding
the same, for which he shall be entitled to the same fees as are provided for by
law for copies of other records.

“Sec. 2. That the expenditure of said sum of two thousand six hundred
dollars surplus money, in laying out and improving the public roads on said
lands, as before mentioned, be, and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed.

“This act to take effect from and after the passage thereof.”

CHAPTER VIII.

Organization of Counties on the Reserve — Botetourt — Trumbull — Geauga — Cuyahoga.
— Huron — Proceedings to Erect Huron County — The County Seat at Milan Changed to Nor-
walk— Officers — Erie County Erected — Acts Regarding It — County Civil List.

THE reader will remember that reference has heretofore been made in this
work to the claims of the older States and colonies to the territory northwest
of the Ohio River, and will also recall the fact that the colony of Virginia first
exercised authority of that territory by the establishment by the House of Bur-
gess, of the county of Botetourt in the year 1769, long years before the “ Re-
serve,” as such, was known.

In the act that established the county of Botetourt it is stated that, “ whereas,
the people situated on the Mississippi will be very remote from the court-house,”
etc. This was an undoubted fact ; the people were certainly very remote from
the county seat, as the whole territory from the Ohio to the Mississippi was in-
cluded in the county so erected.

But after the war of the Revolution was passed and the United States es-
tablished, Virginia quit-claimed this whole county to the general government,.

Erection of Counties.

thus extingnishing the county of Botetourt, which, in fact, never had an or-
ganization more than in name.

The next organization of which Erie county at one time formed a part, was
Trumbull, which embraced the whole of the Connecticut Western Reserve. It
was erected December 6, 1800, while Ohio was yet territorial land.

Trumbull county now bears no resemblance to its original size or descrip-
tion as by the surrender of her territory to subsequent organizations there now
occupies the soil, either in whole or in part, thirteen separate and distinct coun-
ties.

The first county erection that called for a surrender of the territory of
Trumbull was that of Geauga, under an act passed December 31, 1805, and
entitled “ An act for the division of Trumbull county.”

It has been generally supposed, and by all writers it has been generally con-
ceded that Geauga county originally embraced a part of the Firelands. This
may be true, but there exists a serious question as to the fact. The act that
brought Geauga county into existence declares “ that all that part of the county
of Trumbull lying north and east of a line beginning on the east line of said
county, on the line between the townships number eight and nine, as known by
the survey of said county, and running west on the same to the west line of
range number five; thence south on said west line of range five to the north-
west corner of township number five, thence west on the north line of town-
ship number five, to the middle of the Cuyahoga River, where the course of
the same is northerly ; thence up the middle of said river to the intersection
of the north line of township number four to the west line of range fourteen,
wherever the same shall run when the county west of the Cuyahoga River shall
be surveyed into townships or tracts of five miles square each, and thence north
to Lake Erie, shall be, and the same is hereby set off and erected into a new
county by the name of Geauga.”

This misunderstanding unquestionably arises from the fact that by a sup-
plemental act passed February 10, 1807, which declares “That all that part of
the Connecticut Western Reserve, which lies west of the Cuyahoga River, and
north of the townships numbered four, shall belong to and be a part of the
county of Geauga, until the county of Cuyahoga shall be organized,” etc.

This implies that Cuyahoga’s organization was under way and not perfected
and that some disposition must be made of that part of the reserve lands, which
was done. The act also provides that the moneys derived from taxes on that
land shall be used by the commissioners of Geauga county in “ laying out and
making roads and erecting bridges within the boundaries of said district west
of the Cuyahoga.” It will be seen that this attachment was, at best, but tem-
porary and not intended as making the western district a part of Geauga county
except for the purpose therein specified.

Portage county was organized February 10, 1807, out of the older county

History of Erie County.

of Trumbull by taking all thereof that lay west of the fifth range of the Re-
serve townships.

Huron county came into life under and by virtue of an act of the General
Assembly passed February 7, 1809, and entitled, “ An act to set off a part of
the Connecticut Western Reserve, into a separate county.” By the act it was
provided “That that part of the Connecticut Reserve called the Firelands, be-
ginning at the southwest corner of said reserve, then north to the north bound-
ary line of the United States; then easterly along said line to where the east
line of the twentieth range would intersect said boundary line; thence south
along the line of the twentieth range to the south line of the said reserve, which
east line of the twentieth range is the east line of the Firelands, so called ; then
west along the south line of said reserve to the place of beginning, be and is
hereby erected into a county by the name of Huron, to be organized whenever
the Legislature shall think proper, but to remain attached to the counties of
Portage and Geauga, as already by law provided, except as hereinafter pro-
vided.”

As is very well known Erie county, prior to its separate organization, formed
an integral part of Huron county ; but at the time of the formation of Erie, by
the terms of the act creating it, it was taken from the two counties, Huron and
Sandusky. It was created wholly of what has been termed the Firelands.
Prior to that separate organization the history of Erie county was the history
of Huron county. Its townships were all formed some years earlier than the
erection of either, and settlement was commenced while it was a part of the
Western Reserve and before either of the counties was contemplated.

The next legislative action affecting Huron county was the passage of an
act January 16, 1810, providing, “That the county of Huron (as designated
by an act of the Legislature, passed the 7th day of February, 1809), and also
the lands lying north of township number four, and west of the fourteenth
range of townships, and east of said Huron county, shall be attached to, and
be a part of the county of Cuyahoga, until the same shall be organized into a
separate county, or be otherwise disposed of by law.”

The full and complete civil organization of Huron county was accomplished
by an act of the Legislature, passed January 31, 1815, whereby it was pro-
vided “ that the county of Huron be, and the same is hereby erected into a
separate county ; provided, that all suits and actions, whether of civil or crim-
inal nature, which shall be pending, and all crimes which shall have been com-
mitted shall be prosecuted to final judgment and execution in the county of
Cuyahoga, as though the county of Huron had not been organized.”

The second section of the same act provides, “ That on the first Monday
in April next, the legal voters residing in the county of Huron shall assemble
in their respective townships, at the usual place of holding elections in said
townships, and elect their several county officers, who shall hold their offices
until the next annual election.”

■ ••• • .. ■ ... • ’ •• Vi

Erection of Counties.

Section three provides for the annexation of certain other lands to Huron
county. The first county officers, so far as their names are accurately ascer-
tainable, were: Abiiah Comstock, treasurer; Nathan Strong, recorder; David
Abbott, clerk of the courts; Lyman Farvvell, sheriff; Caleb Palmer, Charles
Parker and Eli S. Barnum, county commissioners.

The Legislature, in January, i S 1 1 , appointed Ephraim Ouinby, of Trum-
bull county, Joseph Clark, of Geauga county, and Solomon Griswold, of Ash-
tabula county, as commissioners to decide upon a location for the county seat.
In their report they selected a site on the farm of David Abbott, in Avery
(now Milan) township, and not far distant from the village of Milan. Hon.
George Tod held the first Court of Common Pleas at this place, and other
courts were held there until the Legislature, in January, 1 8 1 8, appointed three
other commissioners, William Wetmore, of Portage, Elias Lee, of Cuyahoga,
and Abraham Tappan, of Geauga, to view the locality in Avery township,
hear the numerous complaints that were being made against it on account of
its inconvenient situation, hear the arguments presented in favor of other
localities, and, should they become convinced that the best interests of the
county required a change, they were authorized and empowered to make it.
The commissioners decided that Norwalk would be a much better location,
whereupon the county seat was removed to that place.

From the time of the complete organization of Huron county, January 31,
1815, until the subdivision thereof by the erection of Erie county, March 15,
1838, the latter formed a part of the former (excepting the small portion taken
from Sandusky county), and the whole was under the control of and governed
bv the same officers. And it is appropriate that, before leaving this branch of
the subject and confining this narrative substantially to Erie county and its
history, that a record should be made of those who were connected with the
county government in the administration of its affairs. This civil list of county
officers is compiled from the records of Huron county:

County Auditors — Asa Sanford, Moses Kimball, James Williams, Cyrus
Butler, John Kennan.

Treasurers — Abijah Comstock, David Abbott, Ichabod Marshall, Cyrus
Butler, Ichabod Marshall, Henry Buckingham, George Sheffield, John V. Yre-
denburg, William H. Caswell.

Clerks of the Courts — David Abbott, James Williams, David Gibbs.

Recorders — Almon Ruggles, Nathan Strong, Ichabod Marshall, Paul G.
Smith, Woodward Todd.

Sheriffs — Lyman Farwell, D. W. Hinman, Enos Gilbert, H. G. Morse,
Enos Gilbert, Philo Adams, John Miller, William Karkhuff.

County Commissioners — 1815, Nathan Cummins, Frederick Falley, Bildad
Adams 18 16, Falley, Adams and Ebenzer Merry; 1817, Adams, Joseph
Reed and Joseph Strong; 1818, Adams, Reed and Strong ; 1819, Adams,
8

■

History of Erie County.

Strong and Lyman Farvvell ; 1820, Adams, Strong and Eli S. Barnum ; 1821,
Barnum, Robert S. Southgate and Amos Woodward; 1822—23, Barnum,
Southgate and Woodward; 1824, Barnum, Woodward and Schuyler Van
Rensselaer; 1825, Barnum, Van Rensselaer and George W. Choate; 1826,
Van Rensselaer. Choate and Frederick Forsythe; 1827-28, Choate, Forsythe
and Bradford Sturtevant; 1829-30, Choate, Sturtevant and M. McKelvey;
1831, Sturtevant, McKelvey and George Hollister; 1832, Sturtevant, Hollister
and George W. Choate; 1833, Hollister, Choate and Samuel B. Carpenter;
1834, Choate, Carpenter and W. C. Spaulding; 1835, Carpenter, Spaulding
and John Dounce; 1836, Spaulding, Dounce and Benjamin Cogswell; 1837,.
Spaulding, Cogswell and John Miller.

ERECTION AND ORGANIZATION OF ERIE COUNTY.

Without question the most important event in connection with the history
of Erie county was the action of the State Legislature that gave the county an
existence — the action that separated it from Huron and Sandusky counties —
that enabled it to elect its own officers and administer its own affairs.

The preliminary discussion that led to this separate organization was not
of spontaneous origin ; it was not the result of a pet scheme on the part of a
few persons ; it was not undertaken through any feeling of jealous rivalry
between the leading towns of Huron county, Norwalk, and Sandusky city.
To be sure there was a rivalry, a growing friendly competition between these
municipalities, each striving to outstrip the other in point of population, of in-
dustry, of internal welfare, of thrift and all the essential requisites of a well-
appointed and well-ordered city; a commendable and unselfish interest shown
or. the part of the people representing the northern and southern sections of
Huron county.

Again, about this time, there seemed a general tendency throughout the
State to new and additional county organizations, by a reduction of the territory
of the larger counties. This was not the only reason why the residents of
Northern Huron county asked to be set off. Such action had become, at that
time, a positive necessity. Sandusky city had become the natural center of
extensive and rapidly increasing business interests — manufacturing, shipping
and mercantile. She had, moreover, become tributary to a large area of agri-
cultural country, so that by every necessary consideration she was justly en-
titled to become the county seat of a new county.

As might naturally be expected, the proposition for the new county erec-
tion was not accepted by the whole people without strong opposition, and
while the measure was very generally supported by the inhabitants in the
northern part of the county, a strong opposition developed in the southern
townships, and in others that were liable to be affected by the change.

The petition for the new county was met by a strong remonstrance, and

/•

Erection of Counties.

for a time it seemed doubtful whether the measure would be carried. Nor-
walk, the county seat of Huron county, might well object for her interests
more thm any other locality would suffer in losing the trade of so prosperous
a locality as was comprised by the townships proposed to be taken.

At length, after the matter had been thoroughly agitated and discussed,
for and against, the Legislature of the State, on the 15th day of March, 1838,
passed an act entitled, “ An act to erect the county of Erie,” as'follows:

“ Sec. 1. Be it enacted, etc., That such parts of the counties of Huron and
Sandusky, as are embraced by the boundaries hereinafter described, be, and
the same are hereby erected into a separate and distinct county, which shall
be known by the name of the county of Erie, and the seat of justice in and for
said county, shall be, and is hereby fixed and established at Sandusky City,
to-wit : Beginning at a point on the east line of Oxford township, in the county
of Huron, one mile north of the southeast corner thereof, thence northerly on
the said east line and in the same direction, to the Canada line; thence west-
erly along said Canada line to a point therein directly opposite the west line of
the township, in Sandusky county; thence southerly, parallel with the east
line of said Sandusky county, to the northwest corner of the township of
Townsend, in Sandusky county ; thence east to the west boundary of Huron
county; thence south on said west boundary of Huron county to a point one
mile north of the south line of the township of Groton, in said county of
Huron ; and from thence to the piace of beginning : provided, and it is hereby
declared, that if the east line of said county of Erie, as above described, will
not include the whole of Cunningham’s Island in Lake Erie, then, and in that
case, said line shall be so far varied from the south shore of the said lake to
the said Canada line that it will embrace the whole of said Cunningham’s
Island.

“Sec. 2. That the said county of Erie be, and remain attached to the
counties from which it is taken, until the same be organized by the Legislature.”

But the people of the newly erected county had not long to wait for the
complete organization thereof, as, on the day next succeeding that on which
the above act was passed, the Legislature adopted another measure, entitled,
“ An act to organize the county of Erie.” It was as follows :

“ SEC. 1. Be it enacted, etc., That the county of Erie is hereby organized
into a separate and distinct county.

“ Sec. 2. That all justices of the peace and constables residing within the
territory taken from the counties of Huron and Sandusky, and embraced within
the limits of the county of Erie, shall continue to discharge the duties of their
repective offices until their commissions or terms of office shall expire, and
their successors are chosen and qualified ; and suits commenced before the
taking effect of this act shall proceed and be prosecuted as though this act had
not been passed, notwithstanding the parties, or either of them, may reside

History of Erie County.

without the limits of the said county of Erie, except that writs and process
issuing after the first of April next shall be styled of Erie county, instead of
Huron or Sandusky county.

“ SEC. 3. That on the first Monday of May next, the legal voters residing
within the limits of the county of Erie shall assemble in their respective town-
ships, at the usual places of holding elections, and proceed to elect their dif-
ferent county officers in the manner pointed out in the act to regulate elections,
who shall hold their offices until the next annual election, and until their suc-
cessors are chosen and qualified.

“ Sec. 4. That the county of Erie, for judicial purposes, is hereby attached
to the second judicial circuit, and the first court of common pleas held in
said county shall commence its session in the city of Sandusky on the second
Monday of December next.”

In this manner, then, and by these proceedings, was Erie county brought
into existence, and thus was provision made for civil, internal government and
control. But, two years later, 1840, by a further act of the State Legislature,
certain territory was added or attached to Erie county, and other lands at the
same time were taken from it. This change was made by the erection of the
county of Ottawa, March 6, 1840, the leading clause of which was as follows:

“ That a new county, to be called Ottawa, be, and the same is hereby
formed out of the north part of Sandusky and Erie, and the eastern part of
Lucas county, commencing at a point two miles north of the southeast corner
of the surveyed township number sixteen, called Bay township, Sandusky
county, running thence west on section lines to the western boundary line of
said county; thence north to the Lucas county line; thence east six miles;
thence north till it intersects the Michigan line ; thence with said line until it
intersects the line between the British and American governments in Lake
Erie ; thence down the lake with said line, so that a line to the mouth of San-
dusky Bay will include Cunningham’s Island ; thence up Sandusky Bay to the
place of beginning.”

This act, it will be seen, took from Erie county the township of Danbury on
the peninsula, between the bay and the lake ; also the islands, the principal of
which was Cunningham’s, afterwards known as Kelley’s Island, both of which
were set off to the county of Ottawa.

But in order to give Erie county an equivalent for the territory so taken,
a further section of the act provided, “ That all the territory now in the county
of Huron north of the north line of the townships of Wakeman, Townsend,
Norwalk, Ridgefield and Lyme, which includes the townships of Vermillion,
Florence, Berlin, Milan and Huron, and also a strip from off the south side of
the townships oi Oxford and Groton, one mile in width, be, and the same is
hereby attached to the county of Erie.”

Cunningham’s Island, or, as it became known on its organization as a

Erection of Counties.

township of Ottawa county, January 21, 1840, “ Kelley’s Island,” remained a
part of and was under the civil control and jurisdiction of the officers of Ot-
tawa county until the year 1845, when, upon the petition of its inhabitants,
setting forth their reasons, chiefest among which was the great incovenience
occasioned by their being compelled to transact their legal and county business
at Port Clinton, the county seat of Ottawa county, while all their other busi-
ness and social relations were associated with Erie county, the Legislature
in February of that year passed an act to “set off” that tract and territory
of land known as the township of Kelley’s Island into the county of Erie.
Thenceforth Kelley’s Island became one of the townships of Erie county.
These several acts, recited in detail, established the territory and boundaries
of Erie county as it now exists. It parted company with Danbury township
in 1840, upon the organization o£ Ottawa county, and that was the only con-
siderable section of her territory, a part of the original Firelands, of which
she has been deprived. And inasmuch as Danbury now forms a part of an-
other county, and its history has been for nearly a half century associated with
such other county, no chapter of this work will be devoted thereto, but rather
to the things and events of the territory that now comprises the county of
Erie.

It is appropriate in this connection to furnish a civil list of those who at
Various times have been identified with the administrative affairs of the county.

CIVIL LIST OF COUNTY OFFICERS.

Auditors. — 1838 to 1840, H. W. Conklin; 1840 to 1841, William Neill;
1841 to 1846, Orlando McKnight ; 1846 to 1850, George W. Smith; 1850 to
1852, F. M. Follett ; 1852 to 1856, Charles H. Botsford ; 1856 to i860, F. M.
Follett ; i860 to 1867, George W. Smith; 1867 to 1881 Ebenezer Merry;
1881 to 1884, Thomas McFall ; 1884 to 1888, William J. Bonn, the present

incumbent.

Treasurers . — 1838 to 1841, William B. Smith; 1841 to 1843, Horace Al-
pin ; 1843 to 1845, Samuel Johnson ; 1845 to 1 849, Earl Bill ; 1849101854
John B. Wilbur; 1851 to 1853, John W. Sprague ; 1853 to 1855, Thomas S.
Fuller; 1855 to 1857, Holly Skinner; 1857 to 1861, Thomas S. Fernald ; 1861
to 1865, W. H. McFall; 1865 to 1871, James D. Chamberlain ; 1871 to 1873,.
James S. Chandler; 1873 to 1877, James D. Chamberlain; 1877 to 1 88 1 ‘
Reuben Turner ; 1881 to 1883, James Alder; 1883 to 1887, William Zimmer-
man ; 1887 to 1889, James Alder, the present incumbent.

Probate Judges. — This became an elective office under the new constitution
of 1852. 1852 to 1855, Ebenezer Andres ; 1855 to 1858, A. H. Striker ; 1 8 5 8-

to January, 1861, Rush R. Sloane ; January, 1861 to November. 1861, F. D.
Parish; November, 1861, to November, 1863, George Morton; November,
1863, to February, 1870, A. W. Hendry; February, 1870, to February, 1879,
E. M. Colver; February, 1879, to 1888, A. E. Merrill

History of Erie County.

Recorders. — 1838 to 1840, Horace Alpin ; 1840 to 1844, C. B. Squire; 1844
to 1850, Ebenezer Merry; 1850 to 1854, Charles Wilbur; 1854 to 1862, James
W. Cook ; 1862 to 1868, John W. Reid ; 1868 to 1880, William A. Till ; 1880
to 1887, James Flynn ; 1887 to 1889, John Strickland, the present incumbent.

Sheriffs. — 1838-40, Harvey Long; 1840-42, Zalmuna Phillips; 1842-46,
Ebenezer Warner ; 1846—48, Isaac Fowler; 1848-50, Henry D. Ward ; 1850-
54, George W. Smilfh ; 1854-58, G. B. Gerrard ; 1858-60, Frederick F. Smith ;
i860— 64, David S. Worthington ; 1864-66, Jesse S. Davis ; 1866-70, David S.
Worthington; 1870-72, Charles H. Botsford ; 1872— 76, David S. Worthing-
ton; 1876-80, M. L. Starr; 1880—84, John Strickland; 1884-88, Thomas A.
Hughes, the present incumbent.

Clerks of the Courts. — 1838-39, Zenas W. Barker ; 1839-55, Rice Harper;
1855-61, Horace N. Bill; 1861-62, John J. Penfield ; 1862-64, George W.
Penfield ; 1864-70, George O. Selkirk; 1870— 75, O. C. McLouth ; 1875-78,
F. W. Alvord ; 1878-85, W. J. Affieck ; 1885-89, Silas E. Bauder, the latter
being the present incumbent.

Prosecuting Attorneys. — 1838-40, John S. Campbell ; 1840-42, Francis D.
Parish; 1842-44, Morris Homan; 1844—48, S. F. Taylor; 1848-52. A. W.
Hendry; 1852-56, John Mackey; 1856— 60, O. C. McLouth ; 1860-72, F. W.
Cogswell; 1872-77, Benjamin F. Lee ; 1877-79, Walter W. Bowen; 1879-80,
Herman Ohly ; July, 1880, to January, 1881, Walter W. Bowen; 1881-83,
Grayson Mills; 1883-88, Cyrus B. Winters, the present incumbent.

Surveyors. — 1838-40, S. H. Smith; 1840-41, W. H. Smith; 1841-45, J.
B. Darling; 1845-47, Alvin Brooks; 1847-50, J. B. Darling; 1850—52, A. B.
Foster; 1852-54, Joel Smith; 1854-61, J. B. Darling; 1861-63, H. C. Jones,
•sen.; 1863-76, J, B. Darling; 1876-79, George Morton ; 1879—85, Albert W.
Judson; 1885-87, Charles S. Ferguson; 1887-89, Albert W. Judson.

Commissioners. — Samuel B. Carpenter, Nelson Taylor, William B. Craig-
bill, John Fuller, William Gill, Isaac Fowler, Philo Adams, Harley Long, Ben-
jamin D. Turner, Ezra Sprague, Bourdette Wood, Harvey Fowler, Elihu P.
Hill, Harry Sprague, Myron Sexton, Joseph Otis, John P. Dego, John Sum-
mers, C. Beardsley, Rice Harper, Isaac McKesson, Robert Bennett, G. M.
Darling, Calvin Caswell, D. G. Taylor, William H. Crane, E. White, William
S. Webb, Louis Wells, Stark Adams, W. W. Miller, Gustavis Graham, George
W. Cleary, Henry Kelley, James Douglass, C. Victor Turner, John Homegard-
ner, John L. Hall, William Zimmerman.

Present County Officers. — Probate judge, Albert E. Merrill; recorder, John
Strickland; auditor, William J. Brown; treasurer, James Alder; clerk of the
courts, Silas E. Bauder ; sheriff, Thomas A. Hughes ; prosecuting attorney,
Cyrus B. Winters; surveyor, Albert W. Judson; coroner, Louis Szendery ;
commissioners, James Douglass, John L. Hull, William Zimmerman; infirmary
directors, John Holahan, Thomas McVeigh, J. W. Lyles ; superintendent of
infirmary, Alex Motry.

; fusmoH

■

Topography and Geography.

CHAPTER IX.

A General Topographical and Geographical View of Erie County — Its Situation and
Boundaries — Civil Divisions.

HE county of Erie occupies a central position between the east and west

boundary lines of Ohio, and is one of the seven counties of the State that

border on Lake Erie ; and of these counties Erie holds that portion of the lake
front that reaches the farthest south. Sandusky county has a frontage on the
bay, but nowhere does her territory touch the lake proper.

Erie county has no specially distinguishing physical features. The surface,
generally, is even, but here and there exist evidences of the fact that its whole
surface was at one time covered with water; and that these waters, gradually
receding, left what is known as a “ drift,” or sand ridge. These ridges, al-
though not numerous, are found in several townships of the county.

The evenness of the surface of the land throughout the county is the rule,
and the exceptions are few. The most marked depression exists in the town-
ship of Huron, where a large area of the land surface lies below the water level
of the lake, and is subject to overflow with a rise of the lake waters or those
of the Huron River. Other than this there is but comparatively little swamp
land, and where this class has, in the past, been found to exist, it is easily
drained into the streams with which \he county is well supplied, and thus
emptied into the lake.

Erie county is bounded on the north by Lake Erie. But from this state-
ment must be excepted Kelley’s Island, which now forms one of the county’s
townships, and which is situate some sixteen miles from Sandusky City, ac-
cording to the usual route of boat travel. It lies nearly due north from the
city. The county is otherwise bounded, east by Lorain county ; south by
Huron county, the bounding townships thereof being Lyme, Ridgefield, Nor-
walk, Townsend, and Wakeman, and on the west by Sandusky county.

As originally created the county contained eleven townships, but two years
later Danbury was set off to the formation of Ottawa county, as was Kelley’s
Island, but the latter was erected into a township while attached to Ottawa,
and was, at a still later day reannexed to Erie agreeably to the prayer of the
petition of its inhabitants ; therefore this island now forms a part of Erie
county, although situate some sixteen miles distant therefrom.

Portland township, one of the original subdivisions of the county, and one
of the most important sections of the same, has lost all existence as a town-
ship, having been absorbed by the extension of the city limits of the county
seat.

Margaretta township occupies the northeast corner position of the county

History of Erie County.

and is larger in area than any of the others. It represents, in part, Sandusky
county’s contribution to the formation of Erie county. Its settlement was
commenced in 1810. Its position, according to the original survey, is town
six, range twenty- four. The township has a front on Sandusky Bay. Its sur-
face is inclined to be rolling or undulating, but in no place can it be said to be
hilly. Besides the bay, there are several streams that receive the drainage or
surface water, the largest of which are Mill’s Creek and Cold Creek. This
stream crosses the township in a course generally northeast, and discharges its
waters into the bay within the corporate limits of Sandusky City.

Cold Creek is the largest of the streams of the township, and lies almost if
not quite wholly therein. Its course is exceedingly tortuous, thus affording
•drainage to a large amount of the township’s area. Little Cold Creek is trib-
utary to the greater stream, but an attempt to utilize their united waters for
milling purposes some years ago, made the larger tributary to the less. This
was the result of building a dam across Cold Creek. Margaretta is bounded
north by Sandusky Bay; east by Sandusky City (formerly Portland township)
and Perkins township; south by Groton township, and west by Sandusky
county, and in part by the irregular shore line of the bay. The township, is,
perhaps, more irregular in formation than any of the county’s subdivisions,
having, at the extreme northwest corner a projecting strip of land, running
westward, and from one to two miles in width.

Groton township lies south of Margaretta, east of Sandusky county, north
of Lyme township, of Huron county, and west of Oxford. In the survey it
appears as town number five, range twenty-four. The surface is as level, gen-
erally, as any part of the county, having much of a prairie appearance. It is
drained almost wholly by Mill’s Creek, which stream has its source in Huron
county, crosses this township in a course substantially northeast, and passes
into Margaretta township on the north.

Portland township, the smallest in area of Erie county, but of as great im-
portance as any, is to the county a thing of the past. Its whole area is now
included within the limits of Sandusky city. The surface is quite level, but from
the lake shore is a gradual ascent as a south, course is pursued. Mill’s Creek,
is the main water course of Portland and near its mouth forms a small bay,
from which its waters reach the greater bay. Old Portland, for it may now
be so called, is south of Sandusky Bay, west of Huron, north of Perkins and
•east of Margaretta.

Perkins township lies immediately south of Sandusky City, and in the sur-
vey of the Firelands is town number six, range twenty-three. Its surface is quite
as level as any of the townships of the county. The land is slightly undulating
with a long and steady roll on the summits, if such they may be called, well
defined though not extensive sand ridges. The most depressed localities are
swale-like but there are no swamp lands unfit for agricultural purposes. Perkins

Topography and Geography.

is watered and drained by the waters of two or three small streams, the largest
of which is Mill’s Creek, and this in extremely dry weather is barren of water.
The boundaries of Perkins township are, north, Portland and Sandusky City;
east, Huron ; south, Oxford, and west Margaretta. The township is in a near-
ly square form, its former irregular lines having been made straight.

Oxford lies south of Perkins, east of Groton, north of Huron county (Ridge-
field township) and west of Milan township. Its surface formation is much like
that of Perkins, except that its streams are larger and in the vicinity of them
the land is more uneven. The Huron River crosses the southeast corner and
the township is otherwise watered by Crab Apple Creek in the western and Mill’s
Creek in the northern part. Range twenty-three, township number five is the
geographical position of Oxford in the original survey.

Huron township borders upon the lake and in east and west measurement
is as great as any of the county. It has the outline form of a trapezoid, the
east and west boundaries being parallel. Huron formerly comprised a vast
tract of swamp or marsh lands, but ditching and draining have relieved it of
much of its swampy characteristics, still there is a large tract of unavailable land
within its bounds, especially situate along the bay and lake front and the valley
of the Huron River. This stream is the most important of the county. Its
source is in Crawford, Richland and Huron counties ; thence it crosses the last
named, enters Erie in the southern part of Oxford township, courses east by
north into Milan which it intersects, running northeasterly and enters Huron
township, which it crosses in a course generally north, though exceedingly de-
vious and winding in some localities, and discharges its waters into Lake Erie at
the site of the village of Huron. Saw-mill Creek, so named from the utiiiza-
ation of its waters for saw- mill and other manufacturing purposes, is the only
other stream of note within the township. It was formerly fed by drainage
water from the lands bordering upon it, but when ditching and draining was re-
sorted to as a means of carrying off drain water quickly, much of the utility of
Saw-mill Creek was destroyed. Huron township lies north of Milan and Berlin,
east of Perkins and Portland, south of the bay and lake, and west of that por-
tion of Berlin that extends to the lake. Huron is in range twenty-two and
numbered town six. Milan township occupies a position in the county nearly
in its geographical center, and is, moreover, one of the most important of the
county’s townships. It became prominent when this was a part of Huron
county, from the fact of its being the location of the county seat. In the Fire-
lands survey it was town number five, range twenty- two. Its surface is uni-
form with a gradual roll except in the valley of Huron River and the several
rivulets of the township that empty into that river. These afford an excellent
natural drainage for the surplus waters of the territory ; therefore but compar-
atively little artificial draining and ditching has been found necessary. The
Huron enters the township from Huron county near the south west section, thence

History of Erie County.

flows in a generally northeast direction, intersecting the township, and passes
into Huron township near Milan’s northeast quarter. The course of the Huron
is sufficiently tortuous to drain a large area of the township. The boundaries
of Milan township are as follows: North, Huron; east, Berlin; south, Huron
county, and west, Oxford township of Erie county.

The township of Berlin, number five in range twenty-one, occupies a strip
or tract of land extending from the lake on the north to the north line of Huron
county on the south ; therefore it covers the entire north and south measure-
ment of Erie county. The township was originally known as Eldridge,
so named for one of the original proprietors of the land, but on account of
some questionable transactions on the part of that person the name was
changed, the people thereof not wishing their territory to be named for one
to whom any odium was attached. In the first survey Berlin contained
twenty-five square miles, but by the acquisition of a block of land on the
north its territory was extended to Lake Erie, thus giving the township a
lake front. Its north boundary is Lake^Erie ; east, the townships of Vermil-
lion and Florence ; south, Huron county, and west the townships of Huron and
Milan of this county. In the lake region the land surface is broken, rugged
and slightly inclined to be hilly, not naturally so, however, but by the ages of
time during which the waters of the lake have left their mark, and gradually
receding have given this locality the appearance of being hilly. This action
of time and the elements is also noticeable in the vicinity of the streams of the
locality which have cut and washed their way down into the soft soils of the
township. There are points in Berlin township where the land has an altitude
of nearly one hundred feet above the present lake level, but at these places is
also discernible the drift formation showing the action of the waters hundreds
of years ago. The principal water courses of the township are La Chapelle and
Old Woman’s Creeks.

Vermillion is the northeast corner township of Erie county. While gen-
erally its surface maybe classed as level, there are nevertheless areas of broken
and uneven lands clearly showing the drift formation on the ridges left by re-
tiring waters. Elsewhere are what are known as lowlands. Vermillion abuts
upon Lake Erie, which forms its north boundary. In this locality the most
broken and rugged lands of the township exist. The Vermillion River, the
main stream of the township, has its headwaters in Ashland and Huron counties
whence it flows across the southeastern part of Florence township and thence
passes into Lorain county on the east. Here it curves gradually to the north
and northeast and returns again to this county, entering Vermillion in its north-
east section and discharges into Lake Erie at the village of Vermillion. The
township is traversed by two other and smaller streams, La Chapelle and Sugar
Creeks. In the survey Vermillion is numbered town six of range twenty. Its
north boundary is Lake Erie ; east, Lorain county ; south, Florence and a part
of Berlin, and west Berlin township.

■

Locating the County Seat.

The township of Florence, the most remote from the county seat of any of
the subdivisions of Erie county excepting only Kelley’s Island, is located in
the southeast corner of the county, being bounded on the east by Lorain
county, south by Huron county, west by Berlin township, and north by Ver-
million township. In the survey it is town number five of range twenty. Its
physical features are not materially different from other townships in this re-
gion, gently rolling but with no hill-like formations. Sand ridges crown the
higher elevations, and are elsewhere noticeable. The streams of Florence are
the Vermillion River, which crosses its southeastern portion, the creek La Cha-
pelle, and a few small runs of no prominence.

Kelley’s Island became a township of Erie county in the year 1845. Prior
thereto it formed a part of Ottawa county, and while so attached was made a
township. After being annexed to Erie county the island was made a munici-
pality, and as such now exists. It was originally called, and elsewhere in this
work is referred to as Cunningham’s Island. This forms no part of the old
Firelands, but comes into prominence as the “Vineyard of the Lake.” It is sit-
uated in north latitude forty-one degrees and thirty- five minutes, and west lon-
gitude from Washington, D. C., five degrees and forty-two minutes. It is well
located, well watered, well improved and well populated.

This island and the other civil divisions of the county are each Jmade the
subjects of special chapters in this work, where they and their people, their
manufactories and productions will be fully mentioned and described.

CHAPTER X.

Locating the County-Seat — Sites Offered — Incidents — Sandusky Chosen — The First
Court-house — Change of County-Seat Threatened — Permanent House of Justice Provided —
The Tardy Proprietors — Some Notable Cases Tried — The First and Only Murderer Execut-
ed in Erie County — The Old Jail — Present County Buildings.

THE location of the seat of justice of Erie county at Sandusky City was
more the result of accident than otherwise. Some people are inclined to
remember it as a providential act, while others, more practical, perhaps, have
chosen to attribute its location at that place to good luck. Whichever may be
correct is of no material importance now, but the incident at the time was of
the most vital importance to the town.

Three places were presented to the consideration of the commission — San-
dusky, Huron and Milan. The first — Sandusky — claimed it on the ground that
that place was the metropolis of the county, having the greatest population, be-

■

History of Erie County.

ing more accessible, and having facilities by land and by water that were pos-
sessed by no other location. The people of Huron argued that their town was
even better than Sandusky, their location equally central, their lake advantages
better, and the site, by every necessary consideration, much more desirable than
the others. Milan, or Abbott’s Corners, sought through the efforts of the people
of that neighborhood to impress the commissioners with the availability of their
site, and not without sound argument. This had been fora short time the seat
of justice of Huron county. It was more central than the other towns sug-
gested, and was equally accessible by water through the canal, and more ac-
cessible by land as it lay nearer the geographical center of the county.

In due course of time the worthy commissioners visited the several sites
proposed, and it was while on this tour of investigation that the events occurred
that turned the tide of sentiment in favor of the village of Sandusky. Milan,
or Abbott’s Corners, was out of the question. While at Huron, so it is said,
the champions of that site showed the commissioners the beauties and natural
advantages of the town and location, and endeavored to, and in fact did im-
press them favorably. The harbor was all it was represented to be, but unfort-
unately, while urging their own as the best location they correspondingly en-
larged upon the disadvantages of Sandusky, so that when the commissioners
came here they did so with a prejudice against it. And it is a known fact that
at least two of the three commissioners were in favor of Huron as against San-
dusky. But while viewing the attractions of Huron and vicinity a hard wind
storm, a genuine “ nor’ easter” suddenly arose and blew the lake waters back
into the channel of Huron River, thus flooding the locality, and for a time mak-
ing it impossible for the worthy site finders to reach their hotel.

This trio next visited Sandusky, but as has been stated, with a prejudice
against the place. There was in fact a somewhat unfortunate condition of affairs
here regarding the lands. They were in dispute, and while there was no open
rupture, there were threatenings of litigation in certain quarters, enough to make
doubtful the feasibility of locating upon them the county- seat. But at Huron
the commission had been informed that the waters of the bay were shallow; too
shallow to make Sandusky a safe, snug harbor for the lake vessels, and this was
the objection in part raised by the Huron people. These objections were fixed
in the minds of the commissioners, and were of such a nature as required evi-
dence to remove.

But the same gale of wind that injured Huron had favored Sandusky. Dur-
ing its greatest severity the brig Julia Palmer had sought refuge in the bay
of Sandusky, the waters of which were swollen by the force of the wind, and
when the next morning the commissioners looked from their hotel windows out
upon the waters there stood, safely moored, the brig. Where, then, was the ob-
jection raised by the Huron people? The Julia Palmer was one of the larg-
est of the lake vessels, and still she rode safely. This fact, with a more potent

Locating the County Seat.

influence (a rare imported brand), brought to bear by Major Camp, soon settled
the question in favor of Sandusky as the county-seat of the county of Erie. ‘But
again, the land proprietors here, during the days in which the subject of erect-
ing a new county was being discussed, were making provision for the same and
the consequent county buildings, as will be shown by a promise in writing made
by them in October, 1835, three years before the act creating the county was
passed. It read as follows :

“ The subscribers do hereby pledge themselves that in case a new county be
organized with the seat of justice established at Sandusky, we will furnish all
necessary public buildings for the use of said new county, free of all expense to-
the county, for five years next following its organization.” Signed by John G.
Camp, Thomas Neill, William I. Reece, Isaac Mills, Z. Wildman ; all per J. G.
Camp.

One of the first duties that devolved upon the board of commissioners was
to make some provision for a building for the purpose of holding courts, and
for quarters for county officers. The officers were chosen on the day fixed for
the first election, May 7, 1838, and Samuel B. Carpenter, Nelson Taylor and
William B. Craighill were elected commissioners ; Hiram W. Conklin, auditor;
William B. Smith, treasurer.

At one of the first meetings of the commissioners the following resolution
was adopted :

“WHEREAS, The commissioners of Erie county have understood that the
proprietors of the town of Sandusky have promised and agreed to furnish build-
ings for county purposes for the county of Erie for the term of five years.

“And, whereas, the situation of the affairs of said county in relation to-
count}'- buildings requires that we should know, if any, what agreements and
arrangements have been made by said proprietors, and what they are willing
to do in relation thereto, therefore,

“ Resolved , That the auditor of Erie county is hereby directed to corre-
spond with said proprietors in relation to their furnishing buildings; what steps
they have taken to furnish the same, and what they are willing to do; and that
said auditor report the same to the commissioners on the first Monday in June
next.”

In compliance with this direction the auditor did correspond with the pro-
prietors, which resulted in the renewed promise or pledge heretofore referred
to, but not until some delay had been made.

The first Court of Common Pleas of the county was ordered by the Legis-
lature to be held on the second Monday in December next following the time
of the passage of the act that created the county, and against this time the com-
missioners must provide a place for the holding thereof.

The First Court-House. — There was built just west of the present High
School, some years earlier than the period the events of which we have been

.... *i 1. -T, » U"4 V. -Itfim-n in) ViniJOD 10l *Sfll

History of Erie County.

discussing, intended at the time to be put to be put to the uses of education, a
stone building of fair proportions, two stories in height, but in 1838 in an in-
complete state.

The worthy land proprietors of Sandusky were great projectors ; they
wished to encourage growth, development, industry and all public improve-
ments, but when it came to putting their individual shoulder to the wheel and
furnishing means for the carrying out of any enterprise they were decidedly
wanting ; they wished everything to be done but disliked to do anything.
And it was this unfortunate inactivity on their part that came near losing to
Sandusky city the original location of county buildings, and two years later
was the cause of much further agitation of the question of removal; and it was
only through the prompt and decisive action of the residents of the town that
the county seat was retained in its present city.

The stone building referred to was projected in part by the proprietors, and
in part by the enterprising residents of Sandusky, who desired a commodious
school-house or academy in a central location. To its construction the peo-
ple largely contributed. At the time of the location of the county seat this
building was not finished, only the lower floor being completed, in which school
was held. It was this structure, then, that was proposed to be used for court-
house and county purposes.

The first term of court was held in December, 1838, as provided by the act
of the Legislature organizing the county. And while this building was so
used for a period of two years, or perhaps a little less, there was no move on
the part of the proprietors to vest the title to the same in the county. This
led to further discussion and agitation of the question of removal of the county
seat to some other point; and, moreover, led to the passage of an “ enabling
act ” authorizing such removal, but coupled with a condition, as will be seen
by the act itself, as follows :

“There shall be commissioners appointed agreeably to an act entitled ‘An
act for the establishment of seats of justice,’ to review the seat of justice of Erie
county and remove the same, if in their opinion the public interest requires it;
but it shall not be lawful for said commissioners to locate the seat of justice at
anyplace other than its present location unless the proprietors of the lands, or
individuals, shall furnish the county of Erie with a good and valid title, in fee
simple to such lands, as may be necessary for the erection of all public build-
ings ; and shall also erect good and suitable public buildings, equal to those in
Elyria, Lorain county, without expense or levy of a tax in said county of
Erie.”

This act seems to have somewhat opened the eyes of the tardy proprietors,
but not until the citizens had come to the rescue, and by their bond pledged
themselves to provide for the necessities of the county. At a meeting of the
county commissioners held June 3, 1840, the following journal entry appears:

■

Locating the County Seat.

“ Whereas, the commissioners appointed by the Legislature of this State
to review and remove the seat of justice of Erie county, if, in their opinion,
the public interests required it, have on full examination decided and found
that the public interests did and does not require such removal, and

“ Whereas, in order to prevent the removal of the seat of justice by said
commissioners, F. D. Parish, A. H. Barber, Charles Barney, Samuel Moss,
Moses Farewell, John Wheeden, W. H. Hollister, William B. Smith, L. S.
Beecher, John Beatty, John G. Camp, E. Cook, S. B. Caldwell and David
Campbell executed and delivered to the commissioners of the said county of
Erie their joint and several bond in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars, dated
May 11, 1840, conditioned for the furnishing to and for the said county, with-
in two years from April 1, 1840, good and sufficient public buildings, such as
a court-house, public offices and jail, without expense or the levy of a tax in
said county, and,

“ Whereas, the most of the proprietors of the stone building now occupied
by the county as and for a court-house and offices, situate on the east block
of the land appropriated and set apart by the original proprietors of Sandusky
city for county and other public buildings, have this day delivered to the com-
missioners of said county a deed of conveyance of said building, to be holden
and used by said county for a court-house and offices forever, containing a
covenant of warranty of the title of the same against all claims whatsoever.

“ Now, therefore, we, the commissioners of the county of Erie aforesaid, do
now accept and receive for the county, for a court-house and offices, the said
building in fulfillment and satisfaction of the condition of the above mentioned
bond of F. D. Parish and others, so far as the same has reference to and stip-
ulates for the furnishing of a court-house and public offices, and land on which
to erect the same, on condition that the obligors of said bond shall erect a
portico across the north side of said building, not less than twelve feet wide,
and extend up to the floor of the third story, and covered with a deep floor, and
surrounded with a hand-rail and bannisters, and a portion to be enclosed at
each end, and stairs to be erected to extend from the first to the second story;
and subject to such other internal arrangements as the commissioners shall
hereafter direct and adopt ; and also remove the partition in the second story,
and lay a floor over the present stairway so that the court-room will extend
over the whole of the second story.”

The latter portion of this instrument was subsequently modified in rela-
tion to the construction of the “ portico ” and stairways, and provision made
for a semi-circular portico with circular stairs.

The deed from the proprietors of the land and the shareholders of the
“ stone building,” bears the date of May 14, 1842, and is made upon the ex-
press condition that the county seat be not removed from Sandusky city.
The deed was signed and executed by the following named persons : W. H.

History of Erie County.

<58

Mills, David Campbell, S. B. Caldwell, A. P. Tower, William B. Smith, Will-
iam H. Hunter, I. N. Davidson, G. S. Dowel, Josiah W. Hollister, James Hol-
lister, by attorney, R. I. Jennings, M. A. Bradley, S. C. Moss, Elentheros
Cooke, Moses Farewell, John N. Sloane, L. S. Beecher, John G. Camp, F. D.
Parish, F. S. Wildman, Nathan Starr, John Wearn, Thomas Neill, Isaac Mills,
by attorney, J. A. Mills, James Foman, Thomas T. White, William Null, Oran
Follett, E. S. Gregg, Burr Higgins, W. Townsend, L. B. Johnson, Martin Ellis
and I. Darling.

These, then, were the vicissitudes and vexations experienced by the inhab-
itants of Sandusky before the seat of justice became permanently eatablished
at that city. For a period of nearly fifty years this building, though not orig-
inally intended as such, served the purposes of the county as a hall of justice.
Could a record of each and every case, civil and criminal, tried and argued
within its walls be made, what an interest would it create. Here was tried,
convicted and sentenced to be hanged the only murderer ever executed within
the bounds of Erie county. James Evans, a crippled tailor, was the man, and
the sentence of death was executed upon him for the wilful, deliberate murder
of John Ritter. Counsellor L. S. Beecher defended this man, while the firm
of Parish & Sadler were special prosecutors for the people. The case is well
remembered by old lawyers.

Then, again, was the famous case of Lockwood and others against Wild-
man and others, involving the title to the lands on which stands the city of
Sandusky. This was, perhaps, the most important civil case ever tried in Erie
county. For the plaintiff's were counsellors C. L. Boalt, George Reber and
Judge Peter Hitchcock, while the defendants’ interests were guarded by Messrs.
Parish & Sadler, L. S Beecher, Pitt Cook and others. The case was reviewed
by the Appellate Court in 1844, and a decree granted for the plaintiffs, but
there being other questions and considerations arising in the case that were not
tried and reviewed, a compromise was effected and the case settled notwith-
standing the decree of the Supreme Court sitting in bank.

The case of Lockwood against Mitchell was one that attracted considera-
ble attention at the time, and was on the docket for nearly twenty years. This
was a land case and involved the title of a tract in Milan township. The plain-
tiff was represented by Judge Stone and Judge Swaine, while the defendant’s
attorney was Homer Goodwin, esq.

The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Company and the Cleve-
land, Sandusky and Cincinnati Railroad Company became involved in a liti-
gation over the question of the right of one railway to lay a track across that
of another. This case will be remembered as one of the most closely con-
tested of the many tried in this county. The plaintiffs were virtually success-
ful. Their interests were represented by Homer Goodwin, associated with
Counsellor Mason, and Messrs. Bowman, Prindle & Scott represented the other
side.

• ■

Locating the County Seat.

In the action of Sloane versus Beimiller, the issue involved the question of
the right of a shore owner to control the fishing privileges of the bay or lake
waters opposite his property. The decision was that he had no right to so
control. In this case Mr. Goodwin appeared for the plaintiff, and Counselors
Dougherty and Root for the defense.

Another important action was that growing out of the loss in a terrible
storm on Lake Erie, of the schooner Ellen Marr, laden at this port with wheat
consigned to Buffalo. The owner of the wheat sued the owners of the boat
for the loss of the cargo, upon the ground that the loss was in consequence of
over-loading, which was, they claimed, mismanagement, and for which they
were liable. Not only was the boat and cargo lost but the entire crew per-
ished with her. In this case were Parish & Sadler, and Beecher & Campbell,
they being about the only practicing lawyers in the county at the time, Mr.
Elentheros Cooke having practically retired from the profession to engage in
politics, and in this field he was, for many years, a prominent, central figure.

Another of the early and somewhat important criminal cases was the Bris-
tol robbery case, out of which grew three trials, and created considerable in-
terest at the time. This was during the incumbency of Counsellor F. W.
Cogswell in office of district attorney of the county. The prisoners, of whom
there were four or five, were defended by Counselors Homer Goodwin and
North way.

The State against Gilchrist, the prisoner being charged with the murder of
one Philo, was another of the thousands of cases tried in the old court-house.
In this the county’s prosecutor was assisted by C. B. Squire, esq., an attorney
during the infant days of the county, while the defense was conducted by
Messrs. L. S. Beecher and J. M. Root. The prisoner was indicted for murder,
but the court accepted a plea of guilty to a crime of less magnitude. The de-
fendant, Gilchrist was sentenced to imprisonment for a term of years.

Such, then, is a brief mention of a few of the thousands of cases that have
occupied the time and attention of the court, the counselors and the juries that,
from time to time, have been connected with the old court-house, now a thing
of the past. The old building is gone and not a trace of its existence is now
visible, save only in its past record.

But it was not alone the court- house building that engaged the attention
of the first board of county commissioners, as provision had to be made for a
place of confinement for offenders ; and this was one of the things for the fur-
nishing of which the proprietors and likewise the citizens were pledged. For
this purpose on the 8th day of November, 1841, Isaac Mills, one of the pro-
prietors, executed his deed of conveyance to the county, for jail purposes, a
lot on Jackson street, numbered eighteen. This deed, however, was not pre-
sented to the commissioners until the 2 1st of January, 1842. On this lot was
built the first county jail. It was erected at the expense, mainly, of the citi-
10

History of Erie County.

zens of the town of Sandusky, and was accepted by the commissioners on July
2, 1842. This property was sold in 1883 to George Brown and Adam Feick,
for the sum of three thousand four hundred dollars.

At length, as the population and wealth of the city increased, it became
necessary that new county buidings should be provided ; buildings more in
keeping with the modern, substantial and elegant structures of various kinds
that were then -standing around the public square and other business streets of
the city ; such as would not only be an ornament but an honor to the county
seat and to the county.

The New Court-House. — The first definite action looking to this end was
taken by the board of county commissioners at their meeting held January 4,
1871, upon which occasion that body declared their intention of building a
new court-house on the site of the old building unless some other location be
agreed upon ; and inviting petitions and remonstrances regarding the matter,
to be heard and acted upon on the 7th of March following.

Upon the occasion designated the board proceeded to examine the several
communications presented, of which there were five, containing an aggregate
of three hundred and forty- five signatures, all in favor of the contemplated
erection and none opposed thereto. One of these bore the names of sixteen
members of the legal profession. From that time the various proceedings of
the commissioners in the matter may be summarized as follows :

March 9, 1871. Commissioners direct William S. Webb and the county
auditor, Ebenezer Merry, to visit different county seats and examine county
buildings with a view to the selection of a suitable model for that of Erie
county, and report the result of their investigations.

May 31, 1871. The board visited Mansfield, O., to examine the court-
house at that place.

June 5, 1871. The board adopted the plan offered by Myers & Holmes,
of Cleveland, and made contract with them to furnish plans and specifications
upon which the work should be done.

July 21. William S. Webb directed to proceed to Cincinnati and ascer-
tain and report the best system for heating the new court-house.

August 10. Plans and specifications of Myers & Holmes adopted and ap-
proved, after examination by the commissioners, clerk, sheriff and probate
judge. Paid Myers & Holmes one thousand dollars in part payment on con-
tract. Advertised for proposals from contractors to build court-house.

For the work several bids were received, all of which were examined and
discussed from time to time, and finally, October 3, 1871, the board decided to
reject all as provided by a clause in the public notice reserving a right so to do.

It seems that there was some technical error in the specifications, and the
action of the board was in part on that account. Further than this, about this
time the disastrous Chicago fire occurred, and it was suggested that this build-

■

Locating the County Seat.

ing should be made as near fire-proof as possible. This would occasion ma-
terial alterations in the plans, and it became necessary that the matter should
have full consideration. However, on the 5th of December, the commission-
ers again advertised for proposals to build which were opened on the 6th of

February, 1872. They were as follows :

Aggregate bid of Philander Gregg, $127,526 00

“ Carpenter & Matthewson, 129,729 00

‘‘ “ Carr, Merry & Nason, 125,588 54

“ “ Miller, Frayer& Sheets 123,913 57

“ “ Janies Campbell, 138,842 65

“ “ Beaver & Butts 125,675 91

“ “ Simon Harrold, 127,305 50

Besides these there were other bids for special departments of the work, a
detail of which is not important in this connection.

The firm of Miller, Frayer & Sheets, of Mansfield, O., being the lowest
bidders for the work, the contract was accordingly let to them by an agree-
ment executed on February 24, 1872.

Although the plans and specifications had once been materially changed,
no less than five further alterations were subsequently made thereto that en-
tailed additional labor and its consequent expense ; so that, when a final set-
tlement was had with the contractors, it was found that the total cost of the
building amounted to one hundred and forty- two thousand twenty-six and
forty-five one- hundredths dollars, including furnishing, added to which was the
architect’s account, per agreement, $4,361.29.

The building was occupied by county officers on the 4th day of December,
1874.

This new Erie county court-house is a model of beauty and modern archi-
tecture, and does honor not only to those engaged in its construction but to
the county. Its location, on the west block of the public square, was exceed-
ingly well chosen, as from all sides a full view of its grand proportions is ob-
tained. The effort at elaborate ornamentation was completely successful, and
here does not appear at any point, evidences of needless display.

This imposing structure needs no further description in these pages. It
stands a lasting monument to the liberality and public-spiritedness of the peo-
ple of the whole county.

The New Jail. — And still there remained to be built after the completion
of the court-house, another county building, and although of less proportions
is none the less attractive in appearance and substantially built. This is the
new stone jail on Adams street.

On the 29th of March, 1882, the commissioners of the county entered into
an agreement with Adam Feick & Brother for the erection of a county jail on
lot number thirteen, situate on the south side of Adams street. The contract
called for a twenty-six cell jail and sheriffs residence, and the consideration

History of Erie County.

paid them for its construction was $45,750. It was built within the contract,
there being no extra work done that made an additional expense. In addi-
tion to the original work heating apparatus was placed in the building, which
cost something like one thousand dollars additional.

The County Infirmary. — In the township of Perkins a short distance from
the south boundary of Sandusky City is located a farm of goodly proportions
and in a finely improved condition and upon which is built a large stone struc-
ture. This is the home for aged, indigent persons of Erie county, and is known
as the County Infirmary. This building was erected in the year 1886, by
George Phillip Feick under a contract made with the commissioners of the
county. Mr. Feick was the lowest bidder for this work, his proposal being
twenty- four thousand one hundred and sixty-eight dollars. An engine house
and smokestack were subsequently erected by John H. Smith, at an expense of
fifteen hundred and thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents.

The building that previously occupied this site was burned during the latter
part of November, 1885, and with its destruction five inmates were burned to
death.

The early proceedings for the establishing of a county infirmary were had
in the year 1855, and on the 29th of June of that year Walter D. Beall, John
W. Sprague and John G. Pool were appointed a board of infirmary directors,
who, with their successors in office have ever since had control of that arm of
the county government.

The present directors are John Holahan, Thomas McVeigh and J. W. Lyles.
The superintendent is Alexander Motry.

CHAPER XI.

GEOLOGY OF ERIE COUNTY.

THE labors of those who during the last two hundred years have devoted
themselves to the study of the structure of the globe, and the claim which
this department of human knowledge has to the name of science, depends up-
on the symmetry which has been found to prevail in the arrangement of the
materials composing the crust of the earth.

By the slow process of adding fact to fact and by comparing the observa-
tions of the devotees of the science in different lands, it has been found that the
rocky strata of the earth hold a definite relation to each other in position, and

Geology of Erie County.

hence in age ; that many of them are distinguished by constant or general min-
eral features, and contain characteristic or peculiar remains of plants or ani-
mals by which they may be recognized wherever found.

It is now well understood, not only that these fossil remains are safe and con-
venient guides in studying the relations and distribution of the rocks contain-
ing them, but that their assistance is indispensable, and that no conclusions can
be regarded as accurate and trustworthy unless confirmed by their evidence.

The observations of geologists have shown that the materials which com-
pose the earth’s crust form three distinct classes of rocks : those that are the
direct product of fusion, called igneous ; those that have been made up of de-
posits of sediment, called sedimentary ; and those that have been changed in their
structure and texture, called changed or metamorphic rocks.

The igneous rocks are subdivided into two groups, the volcanic and plu-
tonic, of which the first includes lava, pumice, obsidian, etc.; the latter, plutonic,
comprises those massive, rocky formations which are without distinct bedding,
having apparently been completely fused, and yet were probably never brought
to the surface by volcanoes. Having consolidated under great pressure, they
are dense and compact in structure, never exhibiting the porous and incoher-
ent condition which is so characteristic of purely volcanic rocks. The plutonic
rocks are granite in some of its varieties, syenite, porphyry and part of basalts,
diorites and dolerites (greenstones).

None of these igneous rocks are found in place in the State of Ohio, though
they exist in vast quantities in the western mining districts and on the shores
of Lake Superior.

It is supposed that these igneous rocks were the first formed and that they
constituted the primeval continents. As soon, however, as these rocks were
exposed to the action of the elements they began to be worn down and washed
away, and the materials derived from them were deposited as sediments in the
first existing water basins. That process has been going on through all sub-
sequent ages, so that by far the larger part of the rocks which we now encoun-
ter in the study of the earth belongs to the class of sedimentary deposits. These
are known to us as sandstone, shale, limestone etc., the consolidation of the
comminuted materials having been effected by both chemical and physical agen-
cies. The differences which we discover in these sedimentary rocks are, for
the most part, dependent on very simple causes, such as we now see in opera-
tion upon every coast. The showers that fall on land give rise to rivers, and
these on their way to the sea excavate the valleys through which they flow,
transporting the materials taken into suspension to the point where the motion
of their currents is arrested and their power of suspension ceases, in the water
basins where they empty. In the gradual arrest of the motion of river currents
the coarsest and heaviest materials first sink to the bottom, then in succession
the finer and still finer, until all are thrown down.

■

History of Erie County.

Shore waves are still more potent agents in the distribution of sediments.
Whether they break on cliff or beach they are constantly grinding up, and by
their undertow carrying away the barriers against which they beat. Nothing
can resist their force and ceaseless industry.

On every shore where the wash of the land accumulates, we shall find a de-
posit of gravel and sand which forms the beach, a little off shore a belt of finer
sand and clay, while in the depths of the ocean are deposited only organic sed-
iments.

When consolidated these materials form rocks with which we are all fa-
miliar— the gravel, conglomerate; the sand, sandstone; the clay, shale; the
calcareous sediment, limestone.

We have also everywhere evidence that what we know as terra firma, is a
type of instability ; that all lands are constantly undergoing changes of level,
and that over all our continent the sea has rolled, not once, but many times.

The grinding effect of shore waves can be witnessed on every coast. In
the submergence of a continent, all portions of its surface must in succession
come under the influence of this agency. By its action the solid and superfi-
cial materials lying above the sea level, the rocks, sand, gravel, and soil, would
be ground up and washed away, the greater part forming mechanical sedi-
ments and distributed according to the law of gravitation, the soluble portions
taken into solution and carried out to impregnate the ocean waters, and to
supply material to the myriads of organisms that have the power to draw from
this solution their solid parts. In the advance inland of the shore line, the
first deposit from the sea would be what may be termed an unbroken sheet of
sea beach, which would cover the rocky substructure of all portions of the con-
tinent brought beneath the ocean. Over this coarser material would be depos-
ited a sheet of finer mechanical sediments, principally clay, laid down just in
the rear of the advancing beach ; and finally over all, a sheet of greater or
lesser thickness of calcareous material, destined to form limestone when consol-
idated, the legitimate and only deposit made from the waters of the open ocean.

Upon the retreat of the sea, the surface of the land would again be covered
with vegetation, acted upon by atmospheric erosion, washed into hills and val-
leys, and locally covered with sand or clay, the products of this local washing.

Another invasion of the sea would leave similar records of a similar history,
with this difference only, that the tribes of animals and plants inhabiting the
land and water would, in the lapse of ages, have experienced marked changes.
Perhaps in the interval, the old types of animals and plants would have entirely
disappeared and others have succeeded them. So that the new sediments
would include only relics of the new races.

Such is the order of the events that have given rise to the most of the
phenomena of geology, and will serve to explain how it happens that we so
frequently find sandstones and conglomerates followed by shales or soft clay

Geology of Erie County.

rocks, and these again overlaid by limestones ; and, that in the different strata
we have different groups of fossils. In the sandstones and conglomerates
which are the direct debris of the land, we naturally find almost nothing but
the remains of terrestrial plants. In the limestones we find mainly the remains
of marine organisms, corals, shells, Crustacea, and fishes.

All the rocks of Ohio belong to this class of sedimentary strata, and in-
clude abundant examples of each subdivision of the two great groups, the
mechanical and organic sediments.

To the list of sedimentary rocks belongs another kind of deposits, to wit,
the chemicals, and are such as have been plainly precipitated from chemical
solution, and include rock salt, gypsum, materials which form mineral veins,
and those deposited by mineral springs, beds of ochre, and iron ore. Some of
these owe their accumulation to the action of organic matter, but not having
distinctly formed any animal or plant tissue they cannot be classed as organic
sediments.

In all parts of the world rocky masses are met with which would not at
first sight be referred to either of the classes above named. These are usually
found in sheets of greater or lesser thickness, resting in regular sequence one
upon another, as though they had once been sediments, but now upheaved
and contorted, sometimes standing nearly vertical, and greatly changed both
in their structure and texture. They have been called metamorphic or changed
rocks. They compose most mountains and have been hardened and made
crystalline by the forces that have acted upon them in their upheaval ; they
usually bear evidence of having been highly heated, and in some cases even
fused in the process, so that some of them can hardly be distinguished from
members of the class of igneous rocks.

They form all of the mountain chains of our country, and underlie most of
New England and much of Canada. We have no representatives of them in
Ohio, except such as have been brought by the Drift agencies.

These are the materials with which we have to do in the study of the gen-
eralities of geology. The sedimentary rocks underlying the earth’s surface
form what is known as the geological column, that is, they are arranged in a
regular sequence which holds good over all the earth’s surface. It is true,
however, that in no one place, so far as has been observed, is every member of
this series present ; for the reason that while any one formation was accumu-
lating in a sea basin, which occupied only a limited portion of the earth’s sur-
face, dry land existed at the same time in great areas, and there no sediments
could be deposited. All sedimentary rocks have been formed in oceanic basins.

The oldest rocks of which geologists have any knowledge are those com-
posing the Canadian Highlands, and those exposed on the northern shores of
Lake Huron. These are metamorphic rocks, and underlie a broad belt in
Canada extending from Labrador to the Lake of the Woods, and thence to the

• •

{

History of Erie County.

Arctic Sea. From the circumstance of this area bordering the St. Lawrence
River, the name Laurentian has been given to the first named group. These
rocks also form the Adirondacks, a part of the Allegheny belt, the Ozark
Mountains, reappear in Texas, the Black Hills of Nebraska, and in some of
the mountains of Arizona.

Bordering and partially overlaying these rocks, are a series of sandstones,
limestones, etc., accumulated in the sea surrounding this ancient Laurentian
continent, and made up of materials derived from that continent. These strata
form what is called the Silurian system, from their exposure in a part of Great
Britain once inhabited by the ancient Silures.

The lowest member of this system is the Potsdam sandstone, appearing in
a belt around the southern margin of the Laurentian area in Canada, the
Adirondacks, and the region about Lake Superior, concealed at the Mississippi
and reappearing further west. It has been reached in deep borings at Colum-
bus, O., at St. Louis, and other places, showing that it underlies in an un-
broken sheet the valley of the Mississippi. The fossils of this rock are not
numerous, and from the fact that no land plants have left their traces here, it
is supposed that terrestrial vegetation was then exceedingly scanty if not
wholly wanting.

Resting on this sandstone, and forming by its outcrop a parallel belt of
exposure, is a rock consisting of a mixture of lime and sand called calciferous
sandrock, and from evidence underlies the surface of an area nearly equal to
the Potsdam. This rock holds the lead of Missouri. The most characteristic
fossils are graptolites.

On this sandrock are found a series of limestones called Chazy, Birdseye,
Black River, and Trenton. They contain the remains of shells, corals, trilo-
bites, and crinoids, and undoubtedly are the result of the accumulation of
organic matter at the bottom of the great Silurian Sea, when its waves rolled
over the old continent. This group is exposed in New York, Canada, about
Lake Superior and on the Upper Mississippi, where one of its members holds
the lead of the Galena district.

On this limestone are found rocks composed of mixed lime and clayey sed-
iments, containing graptolites as the most characteristic fossils. These are
slates, and are called the Hudson group. The outcrop of this group forms a
belt parallel with and more southerly than those of the older Silurian rocks.
In the Cincinnati rocks are found so large a number of Trenton fossils that,
though the rocks there are usually regarded as equivalents of the Hudson,
they are considered, in parts at least, the representatives of the Trenton.

In the successive strata so far we have an illustration of the sequence of
deposits made in every submergence of the land — first, mechanical (sandstone),
then mixed (lime and sand), and then organic sediments (Trenton). The
earthy limestones of the Hudson group indicate a shallowing and retreating

■

Geology of Erie County.

sea, an approach to land conditions, and the completion of one circle of depo-
sition. These strata are called the Lower Silurian series , and of these the two
latter are of interest in Ohio, because they are the oldest* rocks exposed in the
State. They are brought to the surface about Cincinnati by an axis of up-
heaval reaching from Nashville to Lake Erie, in the region of the islands, par-
allel to the Alleghenies, but of more ancient date. They contain a large
amount of bituminous matter, and are the source of oil and gas. In boring
for natural gas at Sandusky the Trenton rock was reached at a depth of 2,315
feet

The rocks next above the Lower Silurian series are called the Upper Silu-
rian series. They have been most carefully studied in New York, where they
have received their names. The first is the Oneida conglomerate, a rock com-
posed of coarse materials, conglomerate and sandstone, and marks a period of
land subsidence, or water elevation, which apparently involved only a portion
of the continent, and during which a long line of shore was thickly overspread
with coarse materials torn from the coast by shore waves.

On this conglomerate lies the Medina sandstone, composed of sandstone
and shales, having a little wedge-shaped brachiopod and a sea- weed as its most
characteristic fossils. In New York it is 300 to 400 feet thick. It thins and
becomes finer toward the west. Its prevailing color is red. It has been found
in Northern Ohio in boring for oil.

Next is the Clinton group, consisting of shales and limestones, mixed
mechanical and organic sediments and containing a peculiar bed of iron ore
called fossil ore, which forms a stratum two to ten feet thick, traceable from
Wisconsin to New York, thence southward to Alabama. In Ohio it is repre-
sented by a limestone in the region about Cincinnati. Where most calcareous
it contains many fossils, the most interesting of which are two graptolites, the
last of the group found in ascending the geological column.

We now come to a rock composed of nearly equal masses of limestone
and shale, and forms the ledge over which the Niagara River pours, and is
hence called the Niagara group. It is not exposed in this county. In the
southwestern part of the State the lowest stratum of the Niagara is known as
the Dayton stone, one of the best building stones in the State. It underlies
Chicago, and from it is derived “ Athens marble.”

In Northern Ohio the rock overlying the Niagara is that which contains
gypsum. It is called the Salina from the fact that it is the source of the salt
obtained at Syracuse. The New York geologists call it the Onondaga salt
group. It is composed of many alternations of colored marls and shales and
some impure limestones containing gypsum. It is not exposed in this county.
North of Sandusky Bay, in Ottawa county, a bed of gypsum is worked by Mr.
E. H. Marsh, of Sandusky. The gypsum lies covered by a few feet of drift.
In boring for gas at Sandusky gypsum was found at a depth of about three
11

78 History of Erie County.

hundred feet. There is gypsum on the lake bottom south of Put-in-Bay
Island.

Next over the Salina is a group of rocks that form a considerable portion
of the Helderberg Mountains in New York, and are called the Helderberg
group. It is there made up of several distinct strata, mostly earthy limestones.
Its lower subdivision is the water-lime. It may be identified by its ever pres-
ent and characteristic fossil, leperditia alta. The water-lime is exposed on the
peninsula in Ottawa county, and forms Put-in-Bay and other islands in that
vicinity.

At Castalia a large volume of water flows up from orifices in the limestone
rock, called Castalia Springs. It maintains an equable temperature and vol-
ume throughout all seasons, except that a protracted drought affects its vol-
ume. The water is highly charged with lime, and incrusts any object covered
by it, and has deposited a sheet of travertine, over a large area in the vicinity.
The subterranean channels of the stream are in the water lime, the uppermost
member of the Silurian system.

This group forms the summit of the Upper Silurian system and completes
a circle of sediments which corresponds with that of the Lower Silurian. The
history recorded in each case is the same : a submergence of such portions of
the continental surface as now carry the sedimentary strata enumerated ; in
the progress of each submergence, the spread of shore materials over all the
surface covered by the advance of the sea; this sheet being followed first by
mixed mechanical and organic sediments, then by those almost purely calca-
reous deposits from the open ocean, and finally earthy limestones, indicating a
retreating, shallowing sea, and a return to land conditions, during which no de-
positions would be made on the surface, but which was the necessary starting
point for a new circle of deposits. One difference in the sediments of these
Silurian oceans is, that the limestones of the Trenton group are nearly pure
carbonate of lime, while those of the Niagara series (the Clinton, Niagara, and
water-lime) are highly magnesian. The animal life of the two seas was entirely
different, except two or three mollusks ; and this probably is the reason for the
distinctive chemical characters exhibited by the organic sediments of these
seas. In the Silurian rocks we find a great number and variety of the lower
order of animals and abundant traces of marine plants, but in America no ver-
tebrates and no land plants have been discovered in them, while in Europe
remains of both land plants and fishes occur in the rocks of the Upper Silurian.

In this country remains of fishes are first met with in the Devonian system
of rocks, which are those next above the Silurian. This system is called the
age of fishes, as the Silurian is the age of mollusks. The name Devonian
comes from Devonshire, England, where these recks are prevalent. They
form an important part of the geology of our country and of the world, occu-
pying a large area of the surface, include one of our most valuable mineral

Geology of Erie County.

staples (petroleum) as a characteristic ingredient, and contain many strange
forms of ancient life.

The lowest formation of the Devonian system is the Oriskany sandstone
(so named from a New York locality), and is a coarse mechanical sediment. A
thin belt of sandstone seen near Castalia and on the peninsula in Ottawa county
is the equivalent of the Oriskany.

Over the Oriskany is a calcareous sandstone from which the lime is dis-
solved by exposure, leaving it a rough porous rock resembling the Oriskany,
but containing different fossils. It is called the Schoharie grit. It is not found
here. > *

The most interesting member of the Devonian system is the Corniferous
limestone — so called from the balls of hornstone contained in it. It is a mass-
ive, calcareous rock, containing a very small percentage of earthy matter, and
abounding in fossils, especially corals, which in some places may be regarded
as ancient coral reefs. In this State it forms two belts of outcrops on opposite
sides of the Cincinnati upheaval. It is an open sea deposit, the calcareous cen-
ter of a group of sediments, the product of a great submergence in the Devon-
ian age ; the counterpart in its general features to those which are found in the
parallel deposits of the Upper and Lower Silurian series.

The fossils of the Corniferous are very numerous and of unusual interest, the
most striking being the remains of huge ganoid fishes, similar in general char-
acter to those of the Old Red Sandstone of Scotland. This is the most inter-
esting and important rock in this county. It is the rock on which the City of
Sandusky stands, and that which forms Marblehead and Kelly’s Island.

At Sandusky the upper layers of the Corniferous formation are composed
of a blue limestone of from twenty to t went}'- five feet thick, and is known to
the geology of the State as the Sandusky stone. It is largely used for building
and flagging. The High School building is of this stone and numerous other
buildings and dwellings in the city. It makes an excellent flag-stone but long
wear renders it dangerously smooth. The lime industry at Sandusky is large.
The lime is made from the lower courses of the Corniferous exposed at Mar-
blehead, and is burned there and at Sandusky. This stone is white and has a
larger percentage of lime than even the Kelly Island stone, which is the same.
The white limestone lies too deep at Sandusky for economical purposes.

Overlying the Corniferous is a series of shales and limestones called the
Hamilton group. In Ohio is usually a soft blue limestone. In this county it
can be seen at Prout’s Station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. It under-
lies a narrow belt of territory extending southwesterly from the lake shore at a
point half way between Sandusky and Huron to the Lake Shore Railway, be-
tween Monroeville and Bellevue.

The Hamilton is overlaid by a great mass of black shales called the Huron
shales. It forms the banks of the Huron River at Monroeville and below. It

History of Erie County.

can be seen a few miles east of Sandusky in Huron township, on the Lake Shore
Railway at what is called the “Slate Cut.” In some places it is interstratified
with clayey matter. It is highly bituminous, containing about ten per cent, of
combustible matter. From this bitumen, by slow, spontaneous distillation, pe-
troleum is evolved, and flows out in springs at a number of localities. The pro-
cess of distillation also gives rise to gas springs, which are found over the out-
crop of this formation. This shale in some places contains concretions of im-
pure limestone, seen along the Huron River where this shale forms the banks,,
being washed out by the action of the water. These concretions are sometimes
almost absolutely spherical. Some of them contain the bones or teeth of huge
fishes. The Huron shale forms a belt of outcrop running across the State from
the lake to the River near Portsmouth.

Above the Huron shale lies a series of green and blue shale called the Erie,
the lower of which are somewhat interstratified with the upper Huron. The
Erie shales form the lake shore from the Pennsylvania line to Erie county. It
does not appear further west.

We now reach the highest group of rocks found in the State, called the
Carboniferous system, because it holds nearly all the beds of coal that have
been worked in this country and in Europe. We have in this county only the
ower strata of this system, called the Waverly group, the lowest of which is
the Cleveland shale. This can be seen in the banks of the Vermillion River.
It is black and bituminous. It is unusually well exposed in the vicinity of
Cleveland, whence its name. In its lithological character it is hardly to be dis-
tinguished from the Huron shale. The fossils, however, are bones, scales, and
spines of fish of small size, and of Carboniferous types, while the Huron contains
the remains of fishes of enormous size, and of most peculiar structure, and such
as belong to the forma of the Old Red Sandstone.

Next above the Cleveland shale is a bed of shale sometimes blue or banded
in color, but more generally red. This is called the Bedford shale, and is con-
spicuously shown in the valley of the Vermillion River, and is exposed at many
places in this section immediately underlying the Berea sandstone. It serves
as an important guide to those seeking that stone.

The Berea sandstone is, geologically, the highest stone in the county, the
outcrop of which enters the county on the east line about half a mile from the
lake shore, thence it sweeps round to the south and west, passing through Ber-
linville and a little east of Norwalk. Within the area lying south and east ot
this line, the Berea underlies most of the surface, but is very generally covered
and concealed by the drift materials, and it is only where its more compact and
massive portions have resisted the action of erosive agents, that these have been
left in relief — that it projects above the surface. The hills in which the Am-
herst and Brownhelm quarries are located, and the elevation, Berlin Heights*
are all masses of this character. They were once bluffs on the lake shore, aim

• ....

Geology of Erie County.

everywhere show marks of the action of water and ice. This stone is largely
quarried in the county, and some grindstones are made.

Above the Berea is a limestone, a conglomerate and the coal measures, the
balance of the Carboniferous system, but they nowhere appear in this county
— we therefore have no coal in this county.

We have no representatives in this State of the age of reptiles, the periods
of which are Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. They are found in some parts
of the continent.

Above these are formations and deposits of what is called the age of Mam-
mals, consisting of two periods, the Tertiary and Quaternary. No representa-
tives of the former are found in the State, but of the latter we have abundant.
They consist of Glacial Drift, Erie Clay. Forest Bed, Iceberg Drift, Terraces
and Beaches.

The latter period presents a complete change in the physical condition of our
continent, and apparently of the whole northern hemisphere; a change not ex-
ceeded by that which takes place upon our surface in the alternation from mid-
summer to mid winter. We have evidence that during what is called the Drift
period, the climate had changed from that of an all-pervailing warmth to an
arctic cold. While in the Tertiary the climate of the Southern States was car-
ried to Greenland. In the Drift period the present climate of Greenland was
brought as far south as the Ohio River. Greenland is now nearly buried under
snow and ice, and in a large part of the coast, access to the interior is barred
by the great glaciers which flow from the interior to the sea. Precisely such
must have been the condition of much of North America during the glacial pe-
riod, for we find evidence that glaciers covered the greater part of the surface
down co the latitude of about forty degrees.

The materials known as the Drift deposits are beds of sand, gravel and boul-
ders, and have received the name of Drift, because they have been transported
or drifted from their places of origin.

The most important facts which the study of the drift has brought, are that
in most localities where the nature of the underlying rocks is such as to retain
inscriptions made upon them, the upper surface of these rocks is planed, fur-
rowed or excavated in a peculiar and striking manner, evidently by the action
of one great denuding agent. Examples of this planing are abundant about
Sandusky and on the islands. A good specimen can be seen at Monk’s ship-
yard, and almost anywhere where the upper surface of the coniferous lime-
stone is exposed at Sandusky.

Beneath the drift deposits the rock surfaces are in many localities excavated
to form a system of basins and channels, often cut several hundred feet below
tne lakes and rivers that now occupy them. The Vermillion and Huron Riv-
ers exhibit this phenomenon and prove that the surface of the lake was once
at least one hundred feet lower than now.

History of Erie County.

Upon the glacial surface are found unconsolidated materials, the lowest of
which is blue clays, stratified in thin layers containing no fossils, but conifer-
ous wood and leaves; after the clay, sand, gravel and boulders in large quan-
tities were transported from the region north of the lakes and spread over a
large area south of them ; these were floated to their places by ice bergs.

Following the water period ensued an era of continental elevation, which
progressed until the present level was reached and the drift deposits raised
several hundred feet above the ocean level. This took place slowly and was
marked by periods of repose. In these intervals of rest our terraces and lake
ridges were formed. These ridges mark old shore lines — such is now being
formed at Cedar Point. The “ridge roads” are well known and mark the lines
of the principal ridges. No boulders are found on the ridges, so that they are
of more recent date than the action that deposited the boulders. In some of
the ridges in this county is found a yellow sand, light and loamy, and largely
used as a moulding sand.

The drift deposits have been removed from a great part of Erie county.
In the southern part of the county the boulder clay is found covering the
rock surface. This is blue, or where exposed and its iron oxidized, reddish
yellow unstratified clay, thickly set with angular fragments of shale taken
from the lake basin. With these are small boulders usually ground and
striated, derived from the old rocks north of the lakes.

In this part of the county are also found beds of sand and the lake ridges
which rest on the boulder clay. These ridges are the effect of shore waves
and are old beaches formed when the lake stood much higher than it does now
and in the same manner that Cedar Point sand ridge is now forming, and
which will ultimately dike out the lake. The part of the county north of the
last lake shore, which is the ridge at Castalia, and thence east imperfectly par-
allel with the present shore, from which the drift has been removed, is covered
by a fine sediment mixed with vegetable remains, making a remarkably rich
soil, having the characteristics of the prairie soils of the West.

The formation of the lake ridges was the last in the sequence of events
which make the history of our surface geology, and brings us down to the
present time, which seems a period of rest ; but every day sees something
taken from the barrier of Niagara and at no distant day, geologically speaking.
Lake Erie will have shared the fate of all lakes and have been drained to its
bottom.

The solid earth under our feet has a history as well as the people who have
lived on its surface. We learn that once a great part of this country was
buried under ice like Greenland. Earlier still it had jungles of palms and
other tropical plants ; yet further back it lay beneath a wide ocean ; and be-
yond that time can be traced many still more remote periods, when it was
forest-covered land or wide marshy plains, or again buried under the great

:>£ bio ^rii i "

Agriculture of Erie County.

sea. Step by step we may follow this strange history backwards and with as
much certainty we trace the doings of Julius Caesar or William the Conqueror.

Every quarry and ravine where the naked rock comes to view offers an
attraction if we seek to find there the remains of some of those lost forms of
plants which covered the land or of those long extinct tribes of animals which
once tenanted the sea. These fossils will become not mere things to wonder
at. We learn what they most resemble in the present living world and will
not rest content until we have seen all that we can discover of the light which
they throw upon the former condition of the district in which we find them.
Geology thus becomes not a task to be conned from books, but a delightful
companion in every walk and ramble, when we find

“ Tongues in trees, books in running brooks,

Sermons in stones and good in everything.”

CHAPTER XII.

AGRICULTURE OF ERIE COUxYTY.

A GRICULTURE is the pioneer of civilization. It levels the forest, plants its
i 1 home in the wilderness, upturns the primal, fertile soil of the prairie, and
makes alike the “ wilderness and solitary place to blossom as the rose.” But
very little attention has been paid in the past to the agricultural history of
Erie county. A history fragrant with noble sacrifices, privations untold and
daring heroic deeds unselfishly performed by the early pioneers. They builded
wiser than they knew. Their wildest dreams could not have pictured the ex-
tent, the grandeur and prosperity of the agriculture of to-day. The crude im-
plements of those early times, the wooden, mold- board plow, the sickle, the
flail, the scythe, have been replaced with riding silver steel plows, the self binder,
the steam thresher and mower of to-day. The log house has long been a thing
of the past, and in its stead rises the stately mansion richly upholstered and
furnished, of the wealthy farmers of this age. The scrubby live stock of years
ago has been wonderfully metamorphosed into sleek Herefords, creamy Jer-
5eys, prancing Hotspurs and black shining Berkshires grunting out their sat-
isfaction at the present state of things.

The improvement in the farmer’s home life has been still more marked as
the grandest result of this new order of things. The farmer of to-day, for at
least a part of the year, is a man of leisure, in fact he is becoming a man of in-

History of Erie County.

telligence. He reads the best books relating to his calling, the daily papers,
the leading magazines and works of the best literature. Through the Grange
and kindred organizations he is becoming versed in parliamentary law, skilled
in expressing his thoughts in debate and fitted for the highest duties of citizen-
ship. Life means much more to him than to father and grandfather before him.
His horizon has been infinitely expanded, his opportunities for improvement
multiplied, and his enjoyments proportionately increased.

Erie county is emphatically calculated for every variety of husbandry. Its
location on the south side of Lake Erie very much modifies its temperature,
while its variety and fertility of soil make it possible to cultivate any crop or
fruit usually raised in the lake regions, with quite reasonable hope of success.

Beginning at the lake, the limestone crops out near the surface and the soil,
a rich, black loam, is admirably adapted for wheat, grapes and other fruits. A
few miles south a sandy ridge is very well adapted to produce potatoes and gen-
eral farm crops, and still farther south the rich prairie produces corn, oats,
wheat and grass in native luxuriance. Erie county is the banner wheat county
of Ohio, having produced in one year an average yield of 25.2 bushels per acre
for the entire wheat acreage, the largest yield produced by any county in the
State. Its total wheat produced that year was 657,100 bushels. The average
crop of corn aggregates 700,000 bushels, and oats 400,000 bushels. Erie
county is one of the foremost in the yield of potatoes, ranking fourth in the
State and all kinds of vegetables grow rankly. It has over 4000 acres in orch-
ards. Its annual apple crop in fair seasons is one half million bushels. Peaches
are a leading fruit crop. The grape crop is second only to one county in the
State and averages about four million pounds annually, while its wine manu-
facture has reached colossal proportions. Unsurpassed shipping facilities,
thorough cultivation, a fertile soil, nearness to market, make the farm lands of
Erie county exceptionably valuable.

The wooded portions of the county have not materially changed in the
past few years. There is a disposition to stay the farther devastation of the
forests. Careful underdraining has done much to redeem the waste places ahd
make highly profitable farm operations, where in swales and low swamps mias-
matic diseases prevailed. It is safe to say that one-half of the farm lands of
Erie County are thoroughly underdrained. From the latest statistics at our
command we find that there are in Erie county 158,435 acres of farming land
exclusive of towns and villages; at seventy-five dollars per acre would be
worth in round numbers about $12,000,000. Number of horses 5781, value
$500,000 ; cattle 9476, value $190,000 ; mules 50, value $5,000 ; sheep 30,000,
value $90,000; hogs S943, value $50,000 ; carriages 1134, value $75,000;
watches 446; value $10,000; other farm property $500,000.

Let us look a moment at the productions of the farm lands of the county
for 1886. Wheat, 247,824 bushels; rye, 2,477 bushels; buckwheat, 10,943

»}s >• : Lr, .

Agriculture of Erie County.

bushels; oats, 294,676 bushels ; barley, 36,2 19 bushels ; corn, 564,863 bush-
els; butter, 394,117 pounds; potatoes, 301,306 bushels, ranking third county
in the State; apples, 76,749 bushels; wool, 606,665 pounds; eggs, 197,245
dozen; grapes, 2,571,045 pounds; wine, 71,170 gallons pressed. While the
above figures are not absolutely accurate they are a close approximation to
the amount of farm products for the main crops for the above named year.

agricultural societies.

Closely identified with the agricultural prosperity and growth of the county,
are the different farmers’ societies that have had a wonderful influence in up-
lifting and elevating the masses by bringing people of all classes together and
infusing a spirit of mutual dependence and interest in each other. Prominent
among these is the Erie County Agricultural Society.

Its history properly antedates the formation of Erie county it having been
first known as the Huron County Agricultural Society, organized in June, 1833.
We have before us an exceedingly interesting manuscript volume, the records
of the Erie County Agricultural Society from 1833 to 1878. To its pages we
are largely indebted for many facts in the early history of the society. At the
time mentioned Huron county embraced the present limits of Erie. We copy
from the minutes of the first meeting: “ In pursuance of an act of the Legisla-
ture of the State of Ohio, passed February 25, 1833, to authorize and encour-
age the establishment of agricultural societies in the several counties of the
State, public notice is hereby given that a public meeting will be held at the
court house in Norwalk on the last Friday of June, 1833, for the purpose of
organizing an agricultural society to be called the Huron County Agricultural
Society.” Accordingly the meeting was held as above and one of the first, if
not the first agricultural society in the State was organized by the election of
the following officers : Amos Woodward, president ; Timothy Baker, vice-pres
ident ; Lemuel Morse, Levi Barnum, Lester Cone, John Millen, John Fulton,
Aaron Corbitt, Arunah Eaton, Wm. P. Mason, Daniel Beach and Charles B.
Simmons, directors. Eben Boalt, treasurer; John V. Vredenburg, corre-
sponding secretary ; Joseph M. Root, recording secretary.

The first annual fair was not held until October 18, 1838 at Norwalk. We
append the program : “ The Throne of Grace was first addressed by the Rev.
Mr. Higgins; Agricultural address, by F. B. Sturgis Esq ; awarding premi-
ums.” From the reports of the latter we cannot refrain from taking a few
items. Best acre of corn, George Powers, sixty three bushels shelled. Best
one-half acre of potatoes, John D. Allen, one hundred bushels. One half acre
beets, J. V. Vredenburg, one hundred and twenty-five bushels. Samuel Pres-
ton is reported to have raised from seven square rods of ground, at the rate of
six hundred and eighty-five bushels of potatoes per acre. We find first pre-
mium on “ improved cooking stove ” given to William Gallup, the only uten-
12

History of Erie County.

sil of any kind on exhibition. The amount in premiums offered at this fair was
$70. At a meeting of the Agricultural Board, December 14, 1838, a propo-
sition was received from Licking County Agricutural Society to send delegates
with them to Columbus for the purpose of organizing a State agricultural so-
ciety and O. Jenny and J. V. Vredenburg were sent as delegates.

At the second fair held at Norwalk, October 17, 1839, $118 was offered as
premiums, and at the end of the year sixty-seven dollars were in the treasury.
In 1840 $129 were offered as premiums, but no account of a fair being held is
given. The fair for 1841 was held at Norwalk, November 2. There is no
record of any fairs being held in 1842-3-4-5-6 and 7.

HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Agreeable to public notices in the newspapers of the two counties, on the
I 5th of March, 1848, the above society was organized in the sheriffs office in the
court house at Norwalk, and a constitution adopted. This;district society em
braced the limits of Huron and Erie counties. In the spring of 1838 the
county of Erie had been organized from the northern townships of Huron
county. The complete formation of Erie county as it now is, was not com-
pleted until 1840. Platt Benedict was the president of this new society, Benj.
Benson, secretary, and Luke S. Stow, of Erie, one of the directors. The latter
was afterwards one of its efficient secretaries. It held its first fair at Norwalk,
October 12, 1848. This new district society, organized from the two counties,
seems to have been heartily supported from its inception. At the annual
meeting in March. 1849, officers of 1848 were re-elected and Andrew
Ainsley, of Erie, added to the directors. A premium was offered for the best
farm essay to be read at the coming fair, an example worthy to be com-
mended to our fair managers now.

This fair of 1849 was held at Milan, and the Press said : “ The display in
all the departments far exceeded any previous fair, and was attended by at
least three times the number of spectators. It is pleasing to note the growing
interest manifested in agricultural and industrial affairs, and we confidently an-
ticipate the day when Erie and Huron counties will rival in their efforts those
•of any other in the State.” In competition on field crops the following yields
were reported per acre : Wheat, 34J bushels ; corn, 135 bushels; barley, 581-
bushels; oats, 65! busheis ; potatoes, 360 bushels. In 1850 Philo Adams, of
Erie, was president; E. M. Barnum, secretary, and Isaac T. Reynolds one of
the directors, from Erie. The time of holding the fair, October 10 and 11, at
Norwalk. The number present, 8,000. One of the best points made by the
speaker of the occasion, who gave the agricultural address, was : ** That the
ulterior object of these annual gatherings for competition is an improvement in
the breed of farmers — of men.”

In 1851 Philo Adams was president, I. T. Reynolds vice-president, and

Agriculture of Erie County.

Luke S. Stow, secretary. The fair was held at Milan, October 8 and 9 ; the
number estimated to be present, 10,000.

The fifth annual fair was held at Norwalk, in 1852, October 5, 6 and 7.
The members of the society numbered at this time 800. The amount re-
ceived from all sources $2,129.75 ; amount expended $1,083.53; amount on
hand at end of fiscal year $1,046.22, a very good financial showing.

At the annual meeting January 20, 1852, two resolutions were offered to
the effect that the connection between the two counties in this society be dis-
solved, and that the Board of Managers be requested to settle up the affairs of
the society. These resolutions were referred to a committee, and the commit-
tee, at a subsequent meeting, reported adversely and the resolutions voted
down. The fair in 1852 was held October 5, 6 and 7, at Norwalk, and over
$1,000 offered as premiums on a largely increased variety of articles. The
entries numbered 700. The best one acre wheat, 45-7 bushels; one acre corn,
101 bushels, shelled ; one acre oats, 74 bushels ; one acre potatoes, 382 bush-
els. No manure was applied to the soil to raise any of these premium crops.

In 1853 I. T. Reynolds was president, L. S. Stow, secretary, and the fair
was held at Monroeville.

The seventh and last fair of the two counties jointly, was held at Norwalk,
October, 1854, and like its predecessors was profitable and successful.

At the annual meeting January 2, 1855, after a spirited debate, the follow-
ing resolutions were adopted :

Resolved , That in the judgment of this meeting the general interests of ag-
riculture will be best promoted by the existence of separate societies in each
of the counties of Huron and Erie.

Resolved , Therefore, that with a view of separate organizations in these
counties this society be dissolved as soon as the financial matters can be closed
up, and that a committee of three from each county be now appointed to ad-
just the funds belonging to the society.

A committee was appointed. $511.10 was the amount found in the trea -
ury. This was divided according to the population of each county, Huron
county receiving $299.06, and Erie county $212.04.

Thus closed the pleasant associations, as a society, formed through seven
years of intimate labor together, years that had seen the formation of the so-
ciety, its unexpected growth, and the still more surprising advancement of
agricultural and mechanical industries. The separation was not made without
pain, for the annual reunions at the fairs had been seasons of glad fraternal
greetings and pleasure. The ties were strong that mutual friendship and labor
had woven, and united the two counties as one family.

By the dissolution of the old society, Erie county was thrown upon her
own resources, with only two hundred and twelve dollars and four cents in her
treasury. It seems hardly possible that the Erie County Agricultural Society

History of Erie County.

could attain to its present gigantic proportions from so modest a beginning-
As early as February, 1855, immediately following the dissolution, we find the
leading spirits of agriculture in little Erie convened at Huron to organize the

ERIE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

A notice had been published in the three newspapers of the county to that
effect. I. T. Reynolds was called to the chair, and Hon. F. D. Parish made
secretary. It was resolved that it be the sense of this meeting that it is expe-
dient that we organize an agricultural society at this time. Thirty-seven
members united with the society at this meeting and the following officers
elected: I. T. Reynolds, president; Harvey Chase, vice-president; F. D.
Parish, secretary ; C. N. Ryan, treasurer ; B. H. Rogers, J. W. Thompson, A.
W. Prout, sr., Elijah Bemiss, and Elam Ward, directors. The following pre-
amble and resolutions will show the spirit of the meeting at this time. They
were severally adopted, viz. :

Resolved , That our board of directors offer no premium on tobacco or
intoxicating liquors.

WHEREAS, A well directed and vigorous system of agriculture is among
the indespensable requisites to individual and national prosperity and happi-
ness, and a thorough knowledge of mechanics, arts, manufactures, commerce,
and facilities for transportation is essential to the life and progress of such a
system, therefore be it

Resolved , That whatever measures tend essentially to improve the quality
or to increase the quantity of agricultural productions, or to. the improvement
of stock, to increase the diffusion of the knowledge of mechanics and commerce
should receive the constant attention of the entire community, and “common
interests demand common efforts.”

2. That we regard agricultural societies in connection with public fairs as
among the most obvious and efficient means to the accomplishment of these
ends.

3. We deem it, therefore, both the interest and duty of every member of
the community to lend his influence and contribute his show to add to the
efficiency and to extend the influence of such societies.

4. We commend the consideration of this subject to our fellow citizens of
Erie county and cordially invite them to become members of this society, and
invite common effort to secure a common good.

A premium list embracing every form of industry, was carefully prepared,
aggregating $700 to be awarded at the first annual fair, which was held in
Sandusky and was a decided success.

The fairs for 1856—7-8-9 and 60 were held at Huron, she having in 1856
at the annual meeting of the society bid $1,000 and free use of grounds for
five years against the offer of Sandusky of $850 and free use of grounds.

Agriculture of Erie County.

These five years were socially, financially, and agriculturally successful, and
the good people of Huron did all in their power to make these public gather-
ings pleasant and profitable.

At the annual meeting in November, i860, it was voted to locate the fair
for five years at Sandusky, and the following officers elected : E. Bemiss, pres-
ident; F. D. Parish, vice-president; C. C. Keech, treasurer, and George J.
Anderson, secretary; Isaac Fowler, I. T. Reynolds, William H. Crane, Wil-
liam D. Lindsley, C. B. Choate, directors.

During the war, from 1861 to 1864, no fairs were held, all the energies of
the people being given to preserve the life of the imperiled nation.

April 5, 1865, a meeting was held at the court-house, Sandusky, for the
purpose of reorganizing the Erie County Agricultural Society. The officers
elected were as follows: Hon. F. D. Parish, president; W. H. Crane, vice-
president ; John McKelvev, secretary; F. W. Coggswell, treasurer; and C. H.
Botsford, Luke S. Stow, A. W. Prout, sr., Samuel Bemis, Isaac Fowler, A.
Hollister, D. C. Richmond, Calvin Caswell, Charles Carpenter, managers.

A meeting of this board was held August 16, 1865, and a committee, ap-
pointed at a preceding meeting to locate and fit the grounds for holding a fair
in 1865, reported that they had effected a conditional arrangement for secur-
ing by purchase the beautiful grove near the south part of the city known as
the Pierson and Ankeytell lots, containing nine acres of land, for the sum of
$4,800, and for the sake of completing the purchase the committee recommend
the plan of petitioning the county commissioners to assist the society by appro-
priating not exceeding five thousand dollars for the purchase of said lots.

This plan met with the unanimous approval of the board, and blank peti-
tions were sent to all the townships for the signatures of the principal tax-
payers of the county. It was stated that the healthy condition of the county
finances would warrant this appropriation. The petition was successful and
the purchase made in 1866, and the property deeded — as all subsequent real
estate of the society was — to the county commissioners.

The first fair was held on these grounds October 17, 18 and 19, 1865, and
the Northern Ohio Grape Growers’ Association was held on these grounds at the
same time. In 1868 another small piece of ground was bought to enlarge the
track, of Jacob Wintersteen, for $300, and in 1874 about eleven acres more
were purchased by C C. Keech of Jacob Wintersteen for the society for
? 15.000, which made about twenty acres, at a cost of $20,100, as the property
of the society, these being the present grounds. Since these purchases great
improvements have been made, substantial buildings have been erected, a fine
tunnel made under the track, grounds thoroughly underdrained, and a roomy
amphitheatre built, making the grounds second to none in the State. Total
paid for land and improvements, $39,964.

It is not the purpose of this sketch to follow in detail further the magnifi-
cent history of this society since the war up to the present time. The same

. ‘ :

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History of Erie County.

public spirit and sacrifice that made its inception possible has characterized its
friends during these later years, and though its early promoters have mostly
passed away, the present generation has taken up the mantle of the fathers
and are looking well and faithfully to its interests. Did time and space per-
mit I would like to write of the past and present workers in this society — of a
Parish, Reynolds, Crane, Bemiss, Richmond* Keech, Milner, Caswell, Prout,
Carpenter, and many others who have done so much to make the society what
it is to-day; and let it also be added that the meed of praise must equally
be accorded to the ladies and city friends, for they have all done their share in
making the work of the society a success. Charles H. Rockwell is the present
president, and John T. Mack, secretary, (1888).

For a number of years prior to 1875 the Erie County Farmers’ Club and
Horticultural Society flourished, and held quarterly meetings in different parts
of the county. It was a literary society, and discussed topics pertaining to
farm life and fruits and flowers. Colonel D. C. Richmond was the able presi-
dent and its moving spirit.

Farmers' Insurance Company. — June 28, 18 77, the Erie County Farmers’
Insurance Company was chartered and organized. This is a mutual insurance
company on the assessment plan, and has now nearly $2,000,000 property in-
sured. It is purely a farmers’ company, as its name implies. Henry Milner
is president, and Wells W. Miller, secretary.

Granges. — About the year 1874 the Grange movement struck Erie county,
and four granges were organized in Margaretta, Milan, Perkins and Berlin
townships.

Margaretta Grange No. 488, Patrons of Husbandry, was organized Janu-
uary 30, 1874, with twenty-six charter members as follows : E. D. Graves and
wife, J. B. Witter and wife, John White and wife, Calvin Caswell and wife, W.

W. Miller and wife, E. White and wife, L. S. Graves and wife, N. E. Prentice,.
M. F. Brown, J. C. Rogers, O. Brown, E. D. White, j. Atwater, D. S. Barber,
S. H. Rogers, R. F. Fowler, J. G. Snowden, T. W. McCarty and Levi Cham-
berlin.

Its present membership is fifty, and its present officers are : W. W. Miller,
master ; L. Billings, overseer ; B. Beebe, lecturer ; W. H. Havice, steward ;
S. M. Ray, assistant steward; J. B. Witter, chaplain ; E. D. White, treasurer;
D. S. Barber, secretary ; E. C. Witter, gate-keeper; Mrs. E. A. Beebe, ceres ;
Mrs. W. W. Miller, pomona; Mrs. G. W. Ray, flora; Mrs. D. D. White, lady
assistant steward.

Milan Grange No. 342, was organized January 6, 1874, at the residence of

X. M. Hawley, with twenty-five charter members, sixteen gentlemen and nine
ladies, by State Deputy Barrack. The first officers elected were: G. B. Jar-
rard, M. ; W. W. Moore, O. ; A. W. Hawley, L. ; E. W. Hughes, S. ; C. C .
Roscoe, A. S. ; Reuben Turner, chap. ; N. M. Hawley, treasurer; R. X. Wil-
cox, secretary ; Victor Turner, G. K. ; Mrs. A. W. Hawley, ceres; Mrs. Benj.

■

Agriculture of Erie County.

Wilcox, pomona; Mrs. C. C. Roscoe, flora; Mrs. E. W. Hughes, L. A. S.
Present membership thirty-eight.

Perkins Grange No. 637, was organized March 2, 1874, with thirty- five
charter members. Since its organization five have died. Its present mem-
bership is thirty. Its present officers are : J. D. Parker, M. ; A. A. Storrs, O. ;
J. F. Greene, L. ; Theron Goodwin, S. ; C. W. Hill, A. S. ; Henry Jarrett,
chap.; W. F. Gurley, sec’y; Henry Milner, treas. ; H. C. Norton, G. K. ;
Mrs. C. W. Hills, ceres ; Mrs. J. D. Parker, pomona ; Mrs. W. F. Gurley,
flora; Mrs. Henry Milner, L. A. S.

Berli7i HeigJits Grange No. 345, was organized in the town hall January 7,
1874, with twenty-four charter members, fourteen males and ten females; J.
W. Barrack, deputy, officiating. The officers elected were: Henry Hoak, mas-
ter ; S. O. Kellogg, overseer ; L. S. Chapin, lecturer ; L. B. Chapin, steward ;
A. Pearl, assistant steward ; James Douglass, chaplain ; J. M. Stahl, treasurer ;
J. P. Lesley, secretary ; G. L. Sands, gate-keeper ; Mrs. H. T Smith, ceres ;
Mrs. S. O. Kellogg, pomona ; Mrs. J. S. Milkman, flora ; Mrs. James Doug-
las’s, lady assistant steward.

The following, by Master J. M. Stahl of Berlin Grange — a history of the
workings of Berlin Grange — is a fair sample of the history of other granges
of the county :

“Much interest was taken in the new organization, and the membership in a
short time began to rapidly increase, there being at the end of the first year
sixty members. Meetings were generally held weekly, and many lively dis-
cussions were entered into on the various topics that seemed to come within
the sphere of grange work.

“The purchasing of goods at wholesale prices was much discussed, and was
made the leading object of the order, though nothing much was done prac-
tically. When the first year closed our grange was considered a success.

“The second year opened with high spirits and a continued increase in
membership. Much time was spent in discussing methods of purchasing and
distributing goods, as the money feature of the grange was still looked upon as
its main object and attraction. Some few goods were purchased which gen-
erally gave good satisfaction, but as there was no convenient place to store
goods the transaction was attended with more trouble and expense to those
handling them than the profits amounted to. A store house was often talked
of, but never was made a practical reality.

“At the end of the second year our grange numbered ninety-eight mem-
bers, nearly all in good standing. Meetings were generally well attended, but
were not held weekly as often as they were the first year. The social feature
began to be looked upon as the leading feature of the grange. An organ was
purchased and music became a prominent part in the exercises of the meet-
ings. The year ended as it began, full of hope and interest ; and so far as the
social feature was concerned, may be called the golden year of the grange.

• HO"'-:

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History of Erie County.

“The third year began as the second one ended, with flying colors and high
aspirations for developing the social faculties of the farmer and raising him to
a higher plane in society.

“At this time our ninety-eight members were about evenly divided between
the sexes, and also between old people and young people. The young folks
were the life of the grange, and at times, under the inspiring music of the or-
gan and violins, they could not refrain from timing the music with their feet.
This was offensive to some of our pious church folks, and with due deference
to their feelings the dancing was stopped. The end of this social amusement
was the end of the great interest taken in the meetings by the young people,
and one after another dropped out until our membership consisted principally
of old people.

“The purchasing of goods at wholesale, by our grange, proved unsatisfac-
tory, and many who had come into our ranks mainly on account of the gain in
dollars and cents, ceased to attend. Hence our meetings before the third year
closed were not large but interesting to those who attended. A paper was
started, essays written and read, and the program was changed from meet-
ings of business to a school for the attainment of that knowledge and culture
necessary to the elevation and refinement of farmers and their families. Most
of the then active members held that the gaining of knowledge was of more
value and a nobler object of the grange than the saving of a few dollars and
cents. Hence this feature was for some time held to be the grand work of the
order. But our meetings were often not well attended, and many who did not
attend ceased to pay dues; but none were dropped for non-payment of dues
until sometime in the fourth year.

“Throughout the fourth year meetings were held regularly every two weeks,
sometimes well attended, but generally only by the faithful who seemed to en-
joy them and were profited by attending. Many of the uninterested were
dropped for non-payment of dues until our numbers were greatly reduced.
.Some said the grange was dead ; others said it was not dead, and never would
die. And this condition of things continued for some years ; sometimes the
interest being quite lively, and then again less interest was taken and the
meetings would become fewer and smaller.

“At the present time we number forty-two members and several of these
are not in good standing. But we have some twenty or twenty- five members
who are as zealous in the cause as when the grange was first organized. They
see the necessity for a farmer’s organization, and believe that there can be no
better organization than the grange. When all other classes are organized to
protect themselves and to facilitate their own interests, is it not clear that if
the farmers of our country do not organize, they mu^t go to the wall ? Is it
not clear that surrounded as they are by rings, chartered corporations with
special privileges, monopolies and trust companies, the only alternative is or-
ganization or servitude ?”

Military History.

The granges in the county are now all in a healthy condition, the flow and
ebb of their prosperity are passed, and they are now upon a solid foundation
and have come to stay.

With township, county, State and national organizations, working in har-
mony and unitedly for the bettering of the condition of the farm masses, it is
the only hope or bulwark against the aggressions of monopolies, trusts and ex-
tortion of other organizations detrimental to the farmers’ interests. Its social
feature, its literary culture, its helpfulness against the isolation of farm life, and,
best of all, the fraternal brotherhood and sisterhood it engenders, are necessary
to the farmer who would keep his occupation abreast in all respects to the
other industrial occupations of the age. No Pomona or County Grange as
such has ever been organized in the county, but the granges meet quarterly,
together, and thus keep alive a feeling of union and fraternity with each other.
Mrs. H. C. Norton is now the State deputy’master of the county.

CHAPTER XIII.

MILITARY HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.

FROM the time oPthe close of the war of 1812, Erie county cannot be said
to have possessed or acquired much, if any, military history until the out-
break of the war of 1861-5, which event all historians are agreed in terming
the “ War of the Rebellion.” During that war the county most certainly
made a record in history, and a most glorious and enviable record it was, for,
with a population in 1861 of less than twenty-five thousand souls, she sent into
the various branches of the military service from seven to nine per cent, of her
people, or from seventeen hundred to nineteen hundred men.

But the military history of the county commenced with the time that that
intrepid band of twenty men met and formed a company for defense against
the murderous depredations of the Indians during the early part of the war of
1812-15. This company was known as the “ Rangers,” and was organized at
Huron. Their conflicts-at-arms seem to have been confined substantially to
the affair with the savages on Bull Island, in which the red foe was defeated
and utterly put to rout by the Rangers. Of this engagement there is no well
authenticated written history, but traditional history never underestimates the
magnitude of any event. This subject is elsewhere fully discussed.

Then, again, there was the citizen soldierv, whose greatest battles were
fought and victories won on “ general training” day — the day of all days in
pioneer times, and second not even to the 4th of July. But it was in the mili-
13

hi 3fij nr b :.*:T jrn srif

History of Erie County.

tia training school that was educated many of the most efficient soldiers of the
late war, and it does occasionally seem that the government of the several
Northern States must have had some premonitory warning of an impending
struggle, for as early as 1850, in many of the States there was required to be
enrolled the names of all men fit for military duty, and it was these and the
young men of i860 that made up the flower of the Union army.

As early as the year 1832 John N. Sloam, then an enterprising merchant
of Sandusky, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the First Light Infantry
Battalion, Second Brigade and Third Division. After this time, and while the
people of the county were engaged in the arts of peace, they were, uncon-
sciously, perhaps, preparing for war. Various portions of the county had their
representative companies.

In Sandusky many of the older people will remember the days of glory
of the Bay City Guards, an organization formed in 1851, and under the com-
mand of Captain R. R. McMeans, a physician of the city ; the Sandusky Fly-
ing Artillery, A. Silva, commandant; the Yaeger Rifle Company, L. Traub,
commanding, and others, perhaps, whose greatest victories were achieved
among the fair sex.

But there came a time, a few years later, when these had an opportunity of
exhibiting their valor upon the bloody fields of battle from the first Bull Run
to the Appamattox ; from the State of Pennsylvania to the Gulf of Mexico.

When, on that fateful morning of April, 1861, there appeared, in answer to
Moultrie’s guns, upon our political horizon the words “ Civil War,” the sturdy
men of Ohio were at once to the fore, and from that day to the time that Lee
yielded to that old hero, “ Unconditional Surrender” Grant, this State was sel-
dom behind her quota. Let us see what Ohio did during this four years of
internecine strife.

Upon the authority of Mr. Reid it may be stated that under Mr. Lincoln’s
call, on April 15, 1861, for 75,000 men, Ohio furnished 12,357 ; July 22, 1861,

84,116; July 2, 1862, 58,325; August 4, 1862, (nine months’ men);

June 15, 1863, 2,736 (militia) ; October 17, 1863, 3 2,837; March 14, 1864,
29,931; April 22, 1864, 36,254 (one hundred days’ service); July 18, 1864,
30,823 ; December 19, 1864, 23,275. In all Ohio furnished under these sev-
eral demands for men an aggregate of 310,654 men, while her total quota
amounted to 306,322 men.

The fact appears that the county of Erie was represented by men in no less
than thirty different regiments, although the number in each averaged consid-
erably less than one hundred. Among these were some of the most daring
fighters in the service.

To the military history of Erie county there attaches an additional interest
from the fact of Johnson’s Island having been made a national depot for the
detention of captured rebel officers. This island is not a part of Erie county.

■

Military History.

but Sandusky seems to have been the central and prominent point and the base
of all operations on the island. From here all prisoners were placed on boats
and conveyed to the island, and, furthermore, all supplies were obtained here-
The establishment of a prisoner’s depot on Johnson’s Island was brought about
through the energy and exertions of a few of the leading business men of San-
dusky, who at once saw that such a station would be of great value to trade in
the city, and that the officers’ quarters would be in and about the town rather
than on the island.

The officer of the war department to whom was entrusted the duty of
selecting a site for the depot was inclined to favor Detroit, and came to this
city mainly in fulfillment of a duty and not that he desired to locate the place
of detention here ; but the business men accorded him such a warm reception,
and showed a willingness to give the enterprise such substantial aid that the
agent could not well do otherwise than accept the offers made him.

The guarding force for this important point was made up, in the main, of
Ohio troops, prominent among which was the One Hundred and Twenty-
eighth Regiment ; therefore the history of that regiment, a portion of which
was from Erie county, is closely associated with the events that transpired dur-
ing the occupancy of the island for the purposes stated, and will be written in
connection therewith. A still greater interest and importance was given this
locality during the years of the war, through the exploits of John Yates Beall,
who made a fruitless attempt to rescue the prisoners on the island, which at-
tempt will be found detailed in these pages, together with an account of the
execution of that daring young officer.

For the following account of the history of the Johnson’s Island Prisoners’
Depot, and the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment we are indebted
to the work entitled “ Ohio in the War,” edited by Mr. Whitelaw Reid, now
of the New York Tribune. The narrative was compiled and written so soon
after the close of the war that it is doubtful whether any additional facts can
be stated, even at this time ; therefore we copy literally from Mr. Reid, grant-
ing him full credit for the original production.

“The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio, although chiefly occupied in
guard duty within the borders of the State, was an organization of three
years’ troops, enlisted and mustered into the United States service, the same
as other volunteer troops, and was liable to service wherever required. It
attained minimum strength on the 25th of December, 1863, and consisted of
four companies, before known as the * Hoffman Battalion,’ raised at different
times in 1862. At and before the time of forming the regiment the Hoffman
Battalion was under the command of a lieutenant-colonel and major. Six new
companies were mustered in at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, between the 8th
and 15th of January, 1864. The four old companies had been on duty at
Johnson’s Island nearly all the time since their muster-in, but had frequently

■

1 y • (1

History of Erie County.

furnished detachments for service elsewhere, including a short and very active
campaign in pursuit of rebel troops in West Virginia, in 1862.

“The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth having been chiefly occupied at the
frontier posts of Johnson’s Island and Sandusky, its service necessarily involves
much of the military history of these posts, and can better be understood by
giving a brief synopsis of that history.

“ Early in 1862 Johnson’s Island became a depot exclusively for rebel offi-
cers who were held as prisoners of war.

“The records of the post show the strength of the prisoners in 1862 as
follows: Average for April, 444; for May, 1,074; average for June, 1,105;
July 31, 1,149; August 31, 1,452 ; exchanged September I, 1, 123 ; average for
September, 595 ; aggregate October 31, 893 ; aggregate November 30, 295 ;
aggregate December 31, 209.

“ It should be remembered that a cartel for a general exchange of prison-
ers of war had long been expected, and was finally agreed upon July 22, 1862.
Under that cartel and special arrangement exchanges went on until July, 1863,
and a continuance was expected. This expectation, with the belief of general
loyalty in the north, and the want of help in Canada, had their legitimate influ-
ence on the prisoners, and undoubtedly prevented efforts at outbreak and re-
sistance until late in the fall of 1863.

“The number of prisoners of war at the depot during 1863 will be sufficient-
ly understood from the following: January 31, 308; February 28, 347; March
31, 105; April 20, 59; May 31, 40; June 3Q, 806; July 31, 1668; August
31, 1,817; September 30, 2,155 ; October 3 1, 2,156 ; November 30, 2,381;
December 31, 2,623.

“ In the spring and summer of 1862 the garrison on the island was strength-
ened by one company of the Sixty-first Ohio, relieved by one company of the
Eighty-eighth. The stoppage of exchanges, followed by the assembling of
considerable forces from the rebel army and navy in Canada, and the machin-
ations of disloyal organizations in Ohio, Indiana and elsewhere known to in-
tend to rescue these prisoners with attendant devastations on the lake towns
and commerce, showed these posts to be unsafe without considerable rein-
forcements. Six companies of the Twelfth Ohio Cavalry (dismounted), with
the Twenty-fourth Battery (six guns), and two detachments of the First Ohio
Heavy Artillery (with seven heavy guns) were sent to the island early in No-
vember, 1863, followed promptly by the Forty- ninth and Fiftieth Regiments
of the National Guard and a Pennsylvania Battery. The Forty-ninth and
Fiftieth remained only eight or ten days, and the Pennsylvania Battery was
soon relieved. The other troops remained ail winter.

“The First Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Corps, including five regiments,
attended by two brigadier-generals from the Army of the Potomac, reached
Sandusky on the 13th of January, 1864. Four of the regiments, with General

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Military History.

Shaler, were stationed on the island. The other regiment, with General H. D.
Terry commanding the whole, was at Sandusky. They all remained until
April 14, 1864, when three regiments under General Shaler left to rejoin the
Sixth Corps. The Twenty-fourth Battery was stationed in Sandusky, and the
six cavalry companies left for Camp Dennison in March. Soon after, the six
new companies of the Twenty-eighth, pursuant to orders from Washington,
were moved to Sandusky, and on the 14th of April, 1S64, with the colonel,
were stationed on the island. The whole regiment was thus, for the first time,
assembled as one command.

“On the 8th of May, 1864, Colonel Hill, of the One Hundred and Twenty-
eighth, succeeded General Terry in the command, and the two remaining reg-
iments from the Sixth Corps moved off to rejoin that corps. On the 12th of
July, 1864, the detachments from the First Heavy Artillery returned to their
regiment, and on the 7th of August following the Twenty-fourth Battery left
for Chicago. Other troops came to the island and departed as follows : May
II, the One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guard; it left June 9
for Cleveland and Kentucky; returned June 20 much reduced, eight of the
companies being then paroled prisoners, not subject to duty ; they were mus-
tered out August 20. The One Hundred and Thirtieth National Guard re-
ported for duty May 21, and left June 6. The One Hundred and Sixty-fifth
Ohio National Guard (five hundred and forty- nine men) reported for duty May
21, and left July 16. The Eighth Battery Ohio National Guard reported
September 22, and left October 19, and was succeeded by the Second Battery
Ohio National Guard, which left November 2 6. These National Guard troops
were sent to the island chiefly as a place of rendezvous, equipment and in-
struction preparatory to service elsewhere. On the 24th of September the
Sixth Veteran Reserve Corps (five hundred and sixty -three men) from Wash-
ington, reported for duty.

“The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth from the time its being first assem-
bled on the island was kept under strict drill and discipline.

“The condition of the island, and of the docks, roads and barracks upon it
required heavy details of working parties to open ways of communication for
defense, complete and improve the quarters, enlarge the prison grounds and
accommodations, and improve the sanitary condition of the island, which had
been much neglected for many months.

“The strength of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, present for duty
from early in May until late in the fall, was much reduced by detachments
sent off by order of the commandants of the department, and kept away for
long periods, so that on account of absent detachments and heavy details for
special duty and necessary working parties, the guard-duty became very
severe ; often, and for considerable periods, requiring the majority of the men
remaining for that service to go on guard every other day.

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History of Erie County.

“The number of prisoners of war confined on the island during the year
1864 ranged as follows, varied chiefly by new acquisitions and special ex-
changes: January, 31, 2,603; February 29, 2,206; March 31, 2,192; April
30, 2,088 ; May 31, 2,134; June 30, 2,309 ; July 3 1, 2,441 ; August 31, 2,-
556; September 30, 2,663 ; October ,3 1, 2,621 ; November 30, 2,747 ; De-
cember 3 1, 3,209.

“ From the foregoing tables it appears that the average strength of prison-
ers for the different years was as follows: Average for 1862, 788 ; 1863, 1,205 i
1864, 2,480.

“In 1865, until discharges on oath of allegiance or parole became more
numerous, following the surrender of Fee’s army, the number of prisoners
ranged considerably higher, and excepting about one hundred, they were all
officers of the rebel army and navy, of all grades, from second lieutenant to
major-general.

“ Here were officers enough for an army and navy of eighty thousand men.
They were within a short distance of the Canada main, and still nearer to a
Canada island. The prevailing sympathy in Canada was largely in favor of
the rebels ; and their every facility and encouragement, short of direct par-
ticipation in our war, was extended to the large rebel force from the rebel army
and navy maintained in Canada to effect a rescue of these rebel officers. If by
such efforts war should be brought on between the United States and England
a great point would be gained by the rebels. No other depot of prisoners
of war was on a frontier or exposed like this. During the season of naviga-
tion it could be reached from Canada in a few hours’ night run, and during the
winter season men and teams could conveniently cross the lake from island to
island, not over five miles of ice intervening in any place. During the season
of ice the location of the depot of prisoners practically ceased to be an island.
The capture of that depot or the rescue of the prisoners confined there, would
not only be of immense advantage to the rebel cause and give them great
eclat, but would be a deep humiliation to our government and people, and
would almost certainly be attended by attacks upon our lake commerce and
devastation upon our lake towns. The rebel officers confined at the island had
a large range of acquaintances and friends in the loyal States. For them the
rebel emissaries traveling in those States, and the secret orders known as the
* Knights of the Golden Circle ’ and ‘ Sons of Fiberty,’ had an especial sympa-
thy, and were anxious to aid them by means of rescue, or with places of refuge
and concealment. They had the means of knowing each other. These facts,
with the difficulty about exchanges, stimulated machinations for rescue, front
and rear, and kept the prisoners constantly on the qni vive, ready for any
desperate adventure until after the fall of Petersburg.”

It appears that there was but a single well organized attempt to effect a
rescue of the prisoners on Johnson’s Island, and that attempt was made in the

■

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Military History.

month of September, 1864, although prior to that it was well known that the
Canadian side of the lake swarmed with agents of the rebel government and
sympathizing residents, subjects of England, who were ever willing to lend aid
to the Confederate cause in an under-handed manner, but were not so willing
to participate in open, warlike hostilities.

The plan of rescue that led to the open attempt on the 19th of September
was conceived by John Yates Beall. He was to conduct the operations from
the Canada side while one Cole was entrusted with the work of gaining the
confidence of the officers at Sandusky, and particularly of the commanding
officers of the gun-boat Michigan , that lay in the waters of Sandusky Bay in
the immediate vicinity of the island. The Michigan was the only government
boat then acting in the defense of the island, and with an ample crew of
marines, and her eighteen guns she could repel any attack that might be made,
especially when acting in conjunction with the guard force of infantry and
artillery on the island and at Sandusky. The first step, therefore, in accom-
plishing the main undertaking was to obtain control of the boat, and this was
the part of the programme assigned to Cole. He is well remembered by many
of the present residents of Sandusky as an active and energetic fellow, possess-
ing education beyond the average, a fine conversationalist, and a royal enter-
tainer. He made a prodigal use of his money, with which commodity he ap-
peared to be abundantly supplied. He dined and wined the officers of the
Michigan and sought to ingratiate himself wholly in their favor. But in the
chivalrous acts of this daring young fellow he rather overdid the matter, and
Yankee cunning proved more than a match for his arts. When he thought he
had the officers just about where he wanted them the picture reversed, and the
officers had Cole just where they wanted him, and he fell a prisoner into their
hands and custody.

Cole arranged a wine party at the time that affairs were expected to cul-
minate, and the liquor was heavily drugged, but the officers never partook of
his bounty, and instead of their falling victims to his plans he himself fell into
theirs.

The plans of Beall were equally well formed but through the failure of Cole’s
were also futile so far as carrying out the main effort was concerned. Beall,
with a few rough characters, took passage on the steamer Philo Parsons , as
that boat was making her passage between Detroit, the islands and Sandusky,
and at Malden, in Canada, twenty other men also came on board having as
^aggage a heavy and well bound box. This was not an unusual circumstance
and nothing was thought of it. After passing from the landing place at Kel-
ley’s Island the men approached the clerk of the boat, who in the absence of
the captain seems to have been in command, and with revolvers pointed at him
demanded a surrender. The others at once opened the box and provided
themselves with revolvers and knives sufficient for a small arsenal. Without

1 00

History of Erie County.

much resistance the steamer passed into charge of the piratical crew of board-
ers and was turned back toward Middle Bass Island, where a landing was made.

About this time the Island Queen reached the dock at Middle Bass, but no
sooner had she touched than she was boarded and captured, not, however, with-
out a stout resistance from her commanding officer and the engineer, but both
were overpowered, the latter being shot in the face. On board the Island
Queen was a party of about a hundred recently discharged soldiers on their
journey home, but being without arms were powerless in the face of a score or
more of heavily loaded revolvers in the hands of determined, desperate men.
The Queen was scuttled and sent adrift, after which the prow of the Parsons was
turned toward Sandusky Bay. After cruising about fora long time, anxiously
watching for the proper signal from the land party supposed to have been suc-
cessfully organized by Cole, Beall wanted to make the attempt at rescue with-
out the assistance of Cole’s co-operating force, but knowing the power of the
Michigan s guns, and fearful of the result, Beall’s desperate crew weakened and
declined to take the chances. Disheartened and discouraged, the daring leader
reluctantly put about and made for the Canada side, where the steamer was
abandoned and her former crew released from their temporary imprisonment.

This was the only open attempt made to effect the rescue of the officers
confined on Johnson’s Island, and it proved a dismal failure. What the result
would have been, had Cole’s effort proved successful, is wholly a matter of
speculation. Several prominent citizens of Sandusky were soon after arrested
and charged with complicity in this attempt. They were temporarily confined
on Johnson’s Island but afterward released. Cole was also subsequently re-
leased. But Beall seems to have been less fortunate. He was captured near
Supension Bridge, on the New York side, and taken to New York and con-
fined on Governor’s Island.

Beall was charged before a military court with the seizure of the steamer
Philo Parsons ; with the seizure of the steamer Island Queen: with being a
spy in the employ of the rebel service, and with an attempt to wreck an ex-
press train between Buffalo and Dunkirk, in New York State, for the purpose
of robbery. He was tried, found guility, and sentenced to be hanged. The
day fixed for his execution was the 1 8th of February, 1865, but that the mother
of the condemned man might have an opportunity of seeing her son once more
in life, President Lincoln granted a respite for six days. Beall paid the penalty
of his crimes on the 24th of February, 1865, on Governor’s Island, in New
York Bay.

Upon the occasion of the trial of Beall, as a part of his defense, there was
produced a letter from that old arch traitor, Jefferson Davis, in which he as-
serted that these acts, meaning Beall’s exploits upon the border, were commit-
ted by his authority, and should be recognized as the acts of “ lawful belliger-
ents.” Without doubt they were recognized as the acts of belligerents, but the

Military History.

IOI

lawful part failed to impress the court so favorably. Could that military court
have had a chance at Davis just then he might have got a taste of “ lawful bel-
ligerent ” medicine that might have surprised him even if it did not seriously
endanger his “health.”

John Yates Beall, the leader of this bold attempt at rescue, was a Virginian
by birth, a native of Jefferson county. He is said to have possessed, at the
time of the breaking out of the war, a large and valuable plantation, and was
a young man of large means and great promise. He organized and became
captain of a company attached to one of the regiments in Thomas J. Jackson’s
command, the latter general being a person none other than the intrepid “ Stone-
wall” Jackson, the idol of the Confederacy. Beall was engaged in several-
battles prior to his conception of the idea of rescuing the rebel officers on John
son’s Island.

His depredations on the Ohio frontier have been by some writers charac-
terized as “ piratical,” but such seems hardly to have been the case. He sought
to effect the rescue of the prisoners and in that attempt adopted such measures
as he thought would most surely accomplish that result, but he did not seek to,
neither was he charged with any attempt at plundering any vessel, or of steal-
ing any money or merchandise for the purpose of gain, except the act alleged
to have been committed in New York State, and that was, if true, an attempt
at train robbery and not piracy. His personal motives are pretty well shown
in a letter written his brother on the evening prior to the day of execution, an
extract from which was as follows : “ Remember me kindly to my friends ; say
to them that I am not aware o£ committing any crime against society. I die
for my country. No thirst for blood or lucre animated me in my course. My
hands are clean of blood, unless spilled in conflict, and not a cent enriched
my pocket. ‘Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, and I will repay.’ Therefore
do not show unkindness to the prisoners; they are helpless.”

Having digressed somewhat from the narrative of events to relate the ad-
ventures and exploits of Captain Beall and his associates, we may now return
to the general history of affairs at Johnson’s Island and the regiments there on
guard.

“Soon after the arrival of the Sixth Veteran Reserve Corps considerable de-
tachments were sent from it for provost and other duties elsewhere, for of those
who remained, infirm as many of them were by wounds and disease, the cli-
mate and exposure proved too severe, so that all who remained for guard duty
did not make good the absent detachments of the One Hundred and Twenty-
eighth. The Sixth Veteran Reserve Corps left the command early in 1865.

“ In view of the contingencies on the frontier, and in order to hold these posts
with a less force, the United States Engineer Crops, under the direction of the
war department, began the construction of three forts in the fall of 1864; one
°n Cedar Point, at the mouth of Sandusky Bay opposite the island, and two

■

;Ti- ~ ' '

rififtfi *k> xioJairf aHj o:

102

History of Erie County.

on the island. The expectation was to do this work with hired labor, but la-
borers were so scarce that men could not be obtained at the wages offered. At
this juncture the colonel of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth detailed par-
ties from his regiment who did at least two-thirds of the whole work, includ-
ing the mechanical part, and completed all three of the forts with their maga-
zines and mounted the guns. This work was done in the most inclement sea-
sons of the year, without extra pay, and at a time when the other details were
very heavy. But in this instance, as in all others, officers and men applied
themselves to the duties before them with an intelligence and zeal which prompt-
ly overcame difficulties and attained the desired result in a very creditable
manner.

“Although the One Hundred and Twenty- eighth was often scattered by
detachments, and much burdened with fatigue duty, its drill, including infantry
and a considerable range of heavy artillery, was accurate and thorough, and its
equipment, discipline, and constant readiness for emergencies and service wher-
ever ordered, gave assurance that it would meet the just expectations of the
government in any line of duty. Many of its officers and men had served the
government during the war with credit in other organizations, from which they
had been discharged on account of disability by wounds or sickness.

“In hastening the completion of the defenses at Sandusky Bay it was antici-
pated that the regiments would soon be relieved by troops of the Veteran Re-
serve Corps, and that then the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth would be sent
to join some army in the field. Measures were taken to have it ready for such
an event. Fortune did not give the regiment the opportunity, as a body, to
•earn laurels in battle, but it performed its duty always with faithfulness and
efficiency.

“ Soon after the surrender of the rebel armies in the spring of 1865, the pris-
oners on the island were reduced by discharges on parole to about one hundred
and fifty. The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth left the island on the 10th of
July, 1865, and was mustered out on the 17th at Camp Chase.”

This is the history of Johnson’s Island as a place of confinement of captured
rebel officers during the war 1861-65, and almost inseparably connected with
that appears the history of the One Hundred and Twenty- eighth Infantry.

It is proposed in the following pages to devote some attention to the other
individual regiments, the companies for which were made up in whole or in
part of Erie county men. But in furnishing company rosters the greatest diffi-
culty has been encountered in ascertaining the names of the men who were resi-
dents of county, and there will be found instances in which no roster is given
from the fact of the writer being unable to locate the men, or from the fact of
the contingents having been so small that no necessity exists for giving the ros-
ter, could it even be accurately ascertained.

Again the adjutant- general of the State has not yet completed the work of

joi ! ' ) r r! j )*{,; v/T hnfi bsibnoH 5flO »r.T ytf\h n&

Military History.

103

niakincr Up the official roster of Ohio’s volunteer soldiery; therefore, being un-
able to furnish a correct record, one that can be confidently relied upon, it is
deemed prudent to furnish none at all. Some of the commands that were repre-
sented by men from this county are given nothing beyond a mere mention from
the fact that the contingent of men from the county was so exceedingly small
as not to entitle them to a space, and it is, therefore, only those parts of regi-
ments, or companies of regiments that contained as many as would constitute a
“corporal’s guard” that receive extended notice.

That the reader may have something of an understanding as to the number
of commands represented by Erie county volunteers during the war of 1 861-5,
it may be stated that companies or parts of companies of the following named
regiments were composed of men from the county : The Seventh, Eighth, Six-
teenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-fourth, Thirty-fourth, Forty- first, Forty- ninth,
Fifty-fifth, Sixty-third, Sixty-fourth, Sixty-fifth, Sixty-sixth, Seventy-second,
One Hundredth, One Hundred and First, One Hundred and Seventh, One
Hundred and Twenty-third, One Hundred and Twenty- eighth, One Hundred
and Forty-fifth, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh, Third Cavalry, Tenth Cav-
alry, First Heavy Artillery, and possibly others that cannot be definitely ascer-
tained by reason of the very small number of men contained in them.

THE SEVENTH INFANTRY.

The Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry was raised within a very few days after
President Lincoln issued his first call for troops for the three months service.
It required but a very short time to recruit a regiment in this section of the
State, and while the sturdy young men of Northern Ohio were not anxious for
war, they were, nevertheless, anxious and ready to do their duty. The ranks
were quickly filled with men averaging from twenty to twenty-five years of age,
strong, willing, determined and loyal young men.

To the formation of this regiment Erie county contributed one company,
E. Three companies were raised at Cleveland, and one each at Oberlin, War-
ren, Painesville, Youngstown, Norwalk, Franklin, which with the Erie county
company made a full regiment.

As a three months regiment the Seventh performed no active service on the
field of battle. They were mustered in on the 30th of April, 1861, and ren-
dezvoused at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, until early in May, when they went
by rail to Camp Dennison near Cincinnati. Upon the organization of the Sev-
enth the officers were chosen as follows: Colonel, Erastus B. Tyler, of Ravenna;
lieutenant-colonel, William R. Creighton, of Cleveland; major, John S. Case-
ment, of Painesville.

The first duty of the command after the election of officers was to prepare
for active field service, and at this time the boys knew but little of military tac-
hes, drill and discipline, but before they left Camp Dennison they were as well
prepared for the field as any regiment of infantry at the front.

no'll - :o : ‘ • ,•> -< *f!t 'r.i'r 1M -

104

History of Erie County.

But the Seventh Infantry never faced the enemy as a three months regi-
ment When they were well versed in drill, then came Mr. Lincoln’s call for
three hundred thousand men for three years, and the Seventh Regiment, almost
to a man, enlisted under that call, and were thus transformed from the three
months to the three years service, and as such first donned the blue. They
were mustered into the United States service on the 19th of June, 1861, retain-
ing, substantially, their former commanding officers.

After a brief leave of absence at their homes, the men reassembled at Camp
Dennison, and on the 26th of June, 1861, started for the field, having been as-
signed to the campaign in West Virginia. None of the command will ever for-
get the march of June 29th, and it was this event as much as any, that gave
them an idea of the hardships that were in store for them. Their destination
was Weston, and the object of the march was the hope of possessing a goodly
sum of gold on deposit in a bank at that place, which was designed to be used
for the erection of an insane asylum. The boys got it without meeting any
armed opposition.

The regiment then proceeded to Glenville to relieve the force at that point.
The first serious engagement in which the Seventh participated was the battle
at Cross Lanes, West Virginia, on the 26th of August, 1861. Here the regi-
ment fought independently, each company taking a position where the most
effective service could be rendered ; but they were outnumbered by the enemy
and slowly driven back, leaving many killed and wounded upon the battle-field.
The loss to the Seventh in this engagement was one hundred and twenty killed,
wounded and missing. * The command became divided and scattered, one por-
tion retiring to Gauley, while the others found the Union lines at Charleston,
several miles down the Gauley River. By reference to the roster of Company
E it will be seen that more men were lost by death, wounds or capture than in
any other single engagement in which that company participated.

The regiment was soon gathered again and went into camp at Gauley.
The effects of the recent engagement told severely on the men and many were
discharged during the early days of October. One pleasing event, however,
occurred while encamped at this place, and that was the presentation to the
regiment of a beautiful stand of colors by Professor Peck, of Oberlin College,
in behalf of the people of the Western Reserve.

From Gauley, on the 16th of October, the regiment proceeded to Charles-
ton, W. Va., where it remained until the 1st of November, but soon after that
date it was engaged in a movement to get in the rear of the rebel force under
Floyd, but through the disobedience of orders on the part of General Ben-
ham, the attempt was fruitless, and Floyd, though hotly pursued, succeeded in
making his escape. After this the Seventh returned, by steamer, to Charles-
ton, November 17, 1 86 1. In December the regiment joined the command un-
der General Lander and proceeded by water, rail and a march of sixteen miles,

Military History.

105

and arrived in the vicinity of the rebel forces, in a new and different country,
and where, on March 23, 1862, they engaged in the battle of Winchester, corn-
in''' in contact with that most remarkable rebel soldier “ Stonewall ” Jackson.
General Lander was succeeded by General Shields. General Banks occupied
Winchester upon Jackson’s retirement. The tactics displayed by this noted
rebel commander will, probably, never be thoroughly understood. His move-
ments were rapid and were believed to be a retreat, but it has been argued
that it was simply a subterfuge, which, had the co-operating force expected by
him been successful, the field of Winchester would have been strewn with
Union dead and wounded and our national capital have fallen into the hands
of the rebels. But “ there is many a slip ” ; the movement failed of accom-
plishment. Winchester was fought and the Seventh took an active and hon-
orable part, losing fourteen killed, fifty-one wounded, and several prisoners
taken. Among the losses here were several of Company E.

Following Winchester we find the Seventh regiment next engaged at Port
Republic, on the 9th of June. Prior to that the men endured the hardships of
a march of one hundred and thirty- two miles, from New Market to Fredericks-
burg, which was accomplished in nine days ; and thus Shields’s force was joined
to McDowell’s. On the morning of May 13 the army was reviewed by Pres-
ident Lincoln and other government officials. Especially did the president de-
sire to see the division that had put to flight the great Jackson, therefore
Shields’s command, the Seventh among them, was ordered out for inspection.

When Shields withdrew with his forces from the Shenandoah Valley, Jack-
son with a strong command immediately occupied it, and commenced a rapid,
vigorous movement toward the nation’s capital. This movement necessitated
a change of plan on the part of the Union forces, and the project to attack
Richmond was for the time abandoned, and the army concentrated and sent to
head off the notorious rebel leader. Jackson, becoming aware of this, and not
easily entrapped, made a retreat up the valley, closely followed by Fremont’s
command. The third and fourth divisions of Shields’s brigade had, by this
time, reached a point opposite Port Republic. At five o’clock in the morning
this battle commenced, the Seventh and the Fifth Ohio having the heaviest of
the fight. Says Reid, “ These two regiments fought splendidly and effective-
ly- General Tyler, seeing the terrible odds against him, and the extent of the
enemy’s lines, determined to handle his inadequate force with extreme caution,
and met the wily Stonewall with his own favorite, tactics of strategy and cun-
ning. Taking advantage of a wheat field near the enemy’s center, he extend-
ed his lines from hill to river, and double-quicked the Fifth and Seventh from
point to point along the line, under cover of some standing wheat, halting at
intermediate points to deliver a galling fire. This was kept up for five long
hours, and, with less than three thousand muskets, the National forces re-
pelled Jackson, with fourteen thousand veteran rebel troops.”

io 6

History of Erie County.

In the retreat that followed this sharp fight the Seventh was directed to
cover the rear as guarding force. This they did gallantly, coming off the field
in line, loading as they marched and frequently sending a telling volley into
the ranks of the pursuers.

In May, 1862, Colonel Tyler was promoted to the rank of brigade cbm-
mander and had charge of the brigade to which the Seventh was attached.
After the battle of Port Republic and lying at Little Washington, that officer
was ordered to Washington, and thereafter General Geary was ordered to the
command of the brigade.

After Port Republic came the engagement at Cedar Mountain, Va., on
August 9, 1862, and the Army of Virginia, under Pope, had again to contend
with the noted Jackson. The fight commenced at about three o’clock in the
afternoon, and the Seventh occupied a position at the front where the battle
waged the fiercest ; in fact, it was a hand to hand contest in which they were
engaged, and was continued until night-fall, when they retired and bivouacked
almost upon the field. Neither side could claim any substantial victory. The
ranks of the Seventh were fearfully decimated, and out of three hundred of
that regiment that entered the fight scarcely a single hundred escaped injury
in some form. The roster of Company E will show how that command fared.

With the approach of Lee’s army the Union forces fell back toward Wash-
ington, and on the 17th of September reached Antietam. During the en-
gagement at that place the Seventh were on the field but not closely engaged,
although some slight losses were suffered. After the battle the regiment en-
camped on Bolivar Heights, and here were received some two hundred re-
cruits, but comparatively few of whom were given to Company E.

Early in December the Seventh went into winter quarters at Dumfries,,
but scarcely had they become settled for a season of rest and recuperation than
a troop of cavalry and a few pieces of artillery, under Stuart, made their ap-
pearance. The camping forces were soon prepared to meet the attack, and
drove off the rebels with considerable loss, though suffering little themselves.
So ended the campaign in Virginia for the year 1862. Five battles were par-
ticipated in by the Seventh regiment, and in each their gallantry and bravery
received the plaudits of the whole Union people.

The campaign of 1863 opened with the engagement at Chancellorsville, in
which the Seventh took an active part, and when the Union forces retired
their retreat was covered by the regiment assisted by two others. “ Its con-
duct,” says Reid, “ in this hazardous and responsible position, and its gallant
action in the battle, reflected the highest honor on not only the regiment, but
the State from whence it came.” In this battle the Seventh lost eighty-four
men in killed and wounded.

Gettysburg followed Chancellorsville, and although not actively engaged
the Seventh were kept busy moving to such points as required strengthening ;.

C. . ' i • • '• ’ ■ ;

Military History.

107

exposed sometimes to a galling fire, but generally protected by breastworks.
Their loss here was but one man killed and seventeen wounded. Among the
regiments sent to quell the riots in New York, occasioned by the enforcement
of the draft, was the Seventh Ohio. The regiment reached Governor’s Island
and went into camp on the 26th of August, 1863. The draft being over, the
Seventh returned to its old camp on the Rapidan, where it remained a few
weeks, after which the Twelfth corps, to which it was attached, was ordered
into the western country. The Twelfth and Eleventh were afterward consoli-
dated and became the Twentieth, under command of “ Fighting Joe Hooker.”

On the 24th of November occurred the battle at Lookout Mountain, Tenn.,
and close upon that came Mission Ridge, Tenn., and Ringgold, Ga. The
Seventh was in each engagement, but lost most heavily in the latter. During
the assault Creighton said to his men : “ Boys, we are ordered to take that
hill; I want to see you walk right up to it.” And walk they did; straight
into the face of death. They were repulsed with fearful loss, there being but
one commissioned officer of the whole regiment uninjured. Nineteen killed
and sixty-one wounded was the result of that charge. It occurred near Ring-
gold, on the 27th of November, 1863. Colonel Creighton and Major Crane
were both killed.

Worn with constant battle and ranks fearfully thinned, the Seventh went
into camp at Bridgeport, Ala., where with a few skirmishes of no importance
it remained until May, 1864, when again it was called into active service in
the campaign of that year. Its first engagement was at Rocky Face Ridge,
from May 5th to the 9th, and later at Resaca, Ga., from May 13th to 16th.
After Resaca had been fought and won, the Seventh pursued the fleeing rebels
until near the middle of June. Then the term of enlistment of the Seventh
had expired, and they returned to Cincinnati. Here the Fifth and Seventh,
former constant companions in successes and reverses, the former from the
south, and the latter from the north part of Ohio, parted company. The Sev-
enth proceeded to Cleveland, where it was mustered out of service, after an
experience in active service of a little more than three years. Colonel Erastus
B. Tyler was promoted to brigadier general May 20, 1862 ; lieutenant-colonel
William R. Creighton was promoted to colonel May 20, 1862, and killed at
Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863 ; Lieutenant-Colonel Joel F. Asper was
promoted from captain, Company H, May 20, 1862, and resigned March 2,
*863 ; Lieutenant-Colonel Orris J. Crane was promoted to major from captain
Company A, May 25, 1862, to lieutenant-colonel March 2, 1863, killed at
Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863 1 Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel McClellan
Was promoted from captain Company H, December 1, 1863, mustered out
i t h regiment July 8, 1864 ; Major John S. Casement resigned May 23, 1863 ;
Major Frederick A. Seymour resigned March 29, 1864.

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History of Erie County.

Roster of Company E.

This roster represents the company in the three years service. Nearly
all the men were mustered into the service on June 20, 1 86 1 , and of the few
recruits received at a later date no separate record is made.

John W. Sprague, captain; captured at Birch River, Va., August 8, 1 86 1 ;
exchanged January 5, 1862; promoted to colonel Sixty- third Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, January 23, 1862.

Charles A. Wood, captain ; promoted from first-lieutenant Company D
February 5, 1862; resigned February 20, 1863.

Arthur T. Wilcox, captain ; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August
26, 1861; returned October 4, 1863 ; promoted from first-lieutenant Company
E to captain Company D July 9, 1862 ; assigned to Company E March 10,
1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Llewellyn R. Davis, first lieutenant ; promoted from second lieutenant
Company D, November 2, 1862; to captain company C February 19, 1864.

George C. Ketchum, first lieutenant ; captured at battle of Cross Lanes,
Va., August 26, 1861 ; exchanged and returned March 13, 1863 ; promoted
from first sergeant to first lieutenant March 30, 1864; mustered out with com-
pany July 6, 1 864.

Ralph Lockwood, second lieutenant ; promoted to first lieutenant Company
A November 25, 1861.

James P. Brisbine, second lieutenant ; promoted from first sergeant Com-
pany H December 20, 1861 ; killed in battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August
9, 1862.

George D. Lockwood, second lieutenant ; promoted from first sergeant
Company D August 9, 1862 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Arvin B. Billings, first sergeant; appointed sergeant from private January
I, 1862; first sergeant January 1, 1863; wounded at battle of Cedar Moun-
tain, Va., August 9, 1862 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Samuel C. Wheeler, first sergeant; appointed corporal January 1, 1862;
first sergeant March I, 1862 ; wounded at battle of Port Republic, Va., June
9, 1862 ; discharged March 26, 1863, by order of war department.

Henry E. Hill, sergeant; appointed from corporal January 1, 1862;
wounded at battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863 ; mustered out with com-
pany July 6, 1864.

William Harley, sergeant; appointed corporal January 1, 1863; color
bearer May 3, 1863; sergeant April 9, 1864; mustered out with company
July 6, 1864.

George W. Sweet, sergeant ; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., Au-
gust 26, 1861 ; exchanged and returned March 13, 1863 ; appointed sergeant
from private May 19, 1864; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

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Military History.

109

Moses Martin, sergeant; appointed sergeant from corporal January 1, 1862 ;
killed in battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.

Orzo J. Lowell, sergeant; died at Cumberland, Md., February 19, 1862.

William Merriam, sergeant ; lost left arm at battle of Cross Lanes, Va.,
August 26, 1861 ; discharged October 30, 1862, by order of war department.

Franklin W. Wilcoxson, sergeant; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va.,
August 26, 1861 ; paroled May 27, 1862; discharged by order of war depart-
ment.

William Freeman, sergeant; discharged at Romney, Va., June 1, 1862, on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Henry Bailey, sergeant ; appointed corporal January 1, 1862; sergeant
January I, 1863 ; transferred to Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 31,
1864, by order of war department.

William W. Meeker, corporal ; appointed corporal January 1, 1863 ; mus-
tered out with company July 6, 1864.

William Holden, corporal; appointed corporal July, 1863; mustered out
with company July 6, 1864.

Jesse G. Turner, corporal ; captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August
26, 1861 ; paroled May 27, 1862; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

John H. Woodward, corporal; appointed corporal January 1, 1862; killed
at battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862.

James K. Alexander, corporal; appointed corporal January 1, 1862;
wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862 ; discharged Jan-
uary 7, 1863, by order of war department.

George Blanden, corporal ; wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March
23, 1862 ; discharged January 28, 1863, by order of war department.

George W. Loring, corporal ; discharged at Washington, D. C., October 6,
1862, by order of war department.

Charles Lewis, corporal; discharged at Charleston, W. Va., October 21,
1861, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Frederick A. Davis, corporal; wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va.,
August, 9, 1862; transferred to Invalid Corps December 12, 1863, by order of
war department.

Omar Osborn, corporal; appointed corporal January I, 1862; discharged
January 8, 1863, by order of the war department.

Albert O. Smith, corporal; appointed corporal January 1, 1862 ; wounded
at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862 ; discharged November 24,
*862, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

William M. Barber, corporal ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by or-
der of war department.

William Furniss, corporal ; appointed corporal January 1, 1863 ; transfer-
red to Invalid Corps, January 5, 1864, by order of war department.

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History of Erie County.

Hiram Smith, musician; discharged at Columbus, O., October 16, 1862,
by order of war department.

Privates.

Harrison L. Allen, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Albert Andrews, discharged at Columbus, O., August 9, 1862, by order
of war department.

William H. Andress, wounded at battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862;
discharged March 28, 1863, by order of war department.

George Anners, wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862;
discharged January 9, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

John Atwater, wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862 ; also
at battle of Port Republic, June 9, 1862 ; discharged August 28, 1862.

Ormer E. Andrews, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 2,
1864, by order of war department.

William F. Bartlett, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
returned March 13, 1863; wounded at battle of Lookout Mountain, Tenn.,
November 24, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

John Bark, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; re-
turned March 13, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Lyman Blakeslee, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
returned March 13, 1863; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Robert W. Blakeslee, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26,
1861 ; returned March 13, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Edward Billings, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

James M. Butler, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
died in parish prison, New Orleans, December 27, 1861.

Reuben Beers, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
paroled May 27, 1862 ; no record of muster-out found.

William Baker, discharged at Columbus, O., September I, 1862, by order
of war department.

George W. Bartlett, discharged at Gauley Bridge, Va., October 6, 1861,
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Henry T. Benton, captured at battle of Dumfries, Va., December 27, 1862;
returned March 13, 1863 ; wounded at battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 2,
1863 ; discharged March 7, 1864, by order of war department.

William L. Benton, discharged at Williamsport, Md., June 1, 1862, on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Joseph Blake, discharged at Columbus, O., July 5, 1862, by order of war
department.

Leander Butterfield, discharged at Fort Royal, Va., June 20, 1862, on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

James J. Cronk, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Military History.

i 1 1

Edson B. Cross, killed at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 2 6, 1861.

Isaac Collins, enrolled October 9, 1861, but never mustered.

Hudson Call, discharged ; no record found.

William Cherry, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
paroled May 27, 1862 ; discharged November 19, 1862, by order of war de-
partment.

Thomas S. Curran, lost right leg at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26,
1861 ; discharged Nov. 3, 1862, by order of war department.

Joseph F. Clark, wounded at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862 ;
discharged August 26, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

George K. Downing, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26,
1861 ; returned March 13, 1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Elvvood Dillingham, enrolled October 9, 1861, but never mustered.

Anson Douglass, no record found.

Lewis A. Darling, transferred to company B, Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
October 31, 1864, by order of war department ; veteran.

David Everett, died October 6, 1862, from wounds received at the battle
ofAntietam, Md., September 17, 1862.

George Eiklor, died December 1 1, 1863, from wounds received at battle of
Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863.

Daniel Flora^died at Alexandria, Va., June 5, 1863.

Zebah Fox, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; pa-
roled May 27, 1862 ; transferred to Second United States Cavalry by order of
war department ; veteran.

Jesse Flora, transferred to company B, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Octo-
ber 31, 1864, by order of the war department ; veteran.

William F. Graves, absent, nurse in hospital at Clairsville, Md., February,
1852; mustered out July 6, 1864, by circular No. 36, war department, May
2, 1864.

Oliver Grennell, killed in battle of Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863.

William Gibbs, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1S61 ;
died December, 1861, while a prisoner.

Benjamin F. Gill, died August 29, 1862, from wounds received at the bat-
tle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.

Wilson S. Gordon, discharged December 3, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Henry Green, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 1, 1863, by
order of war department.

Albin Hopkins, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

George Howorth, no record found.

Jay Haskins, wounded at battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862 ; dis-
charged October 23, 1862, by order of war department.

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History of Erie County.

William Hutchinson, wounded at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26,
1861 ; discharged March — , 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

John Hann, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ; pa-
roled May 27, 1862 ; transferred to the Fifth United States Cavalry by order
of war department.

Thomas C. Ingles, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Charles Jay, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 15, 1864, by
order of war department.

James W. Kelley, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Henry Kizer, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
died December 28, 1861, at Tuscaloosa, Ala., while a prisoner.

Peter Kizer, died at Cumberland, Md., February 22, 1862.

Joseph Kearney, transferred to company B, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
October 31, 1864, by order of war department.

Edward Kennedy, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861;
returned March 13, 1863; wounded at battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 2,
1863 ; transferred to Invalid Corps January 14, 1864, by order of war depart-
ment.

William T. Lowry, wounded at battle of Ringgold, Ga., November 27,
1863 ; mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

David Lee, discharged at Fairfax, Va., August 5, 1862, on surgeon’s cer-
tificate of disability.

Nahum Mears, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

John Melville, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Charles Masters, killed at battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.

Richard Mansell, discharged at Warrenton, Va., July 30, 1862, on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

John Mulleman, wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862;
discharged July 1 1, 1862, by order of war department.

Andrew McMillen, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Edward McDermott, discharged June 27, 1863, by order of war depart-
ment.

Henry Neighboring, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, September I,
1863, by order of war department.

Richard O’Brien, no record found.

Henry Pixley, wounded at battle of Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 1863 ;
mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

Spafford TA. Penny, killed in battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863.

John Randolph, died at Weston, Va., July, 1861.

Frederick W. Roscoe, discharged at Gauley Bridge, Va., October 14, 1861,
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Albert L. Raymond, wounded at battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 3,

Military History.

1 1 3-

[S63; transferred to Invalid Corps September 30, 1863, by order of war de-
partment.

Irving Roberts, transferred to company B, 5th Ohio Volunteer Infantry,.
October 31, 1864, by order of war department; veteran.

Ephraim J. Smith, discharged April 10, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Zera S. Smith, absent, nurse in hospital, mustered out July 6, 1864, by
circular No. 36, war department, May 2, 1864.

James Stinson, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
paroled May 12, 1862 ; never returned to company.

John Shetters, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
paroled May 27, 1862; discharged September 1, 1862, by order of war de-
partment.

Charles Stimson, discharged October 22, 1862, for wounds received at
battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.

Francis Stilwell, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
transferred to 18th United States Infantry, by order of war department.

Henry R. Steele, transferred to recruit camp, June II, 1864; no further
record found.

James L. Vansise, discharged October 22, 1862, for wounds received at
battle of Port Republic, Va., June 9, 1862.

Brayton B. Williams, captured at battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 3,
1863; returned November 17, 1863; mustered out with company July 6
1864.

Thomas Warren, mustered out with company July 6, 1864.

William L. Williams, died at Gallipolis, O , September 13, 1861.

Elam Ward, discharged at Cumberland, Md., February 4, 1862.

Rufus Welch, discharged May, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Daniel Weatherlow, discharged February 18, 1853, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Henry Winslow, discharged ; no record found.

Charles Webber, captured at battle of Cross Lanes, Va., August 26, 1861 ;
paroled January, 1862; discharged April 11, 1863, by order of war depart-
ment.

Americus Witmer, discharged at Baltimore, Md., February 24, 1863.

Wade Wood, discharged at Dumfries, Va., February 17, 1863, on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

John W. Wickman, discharged November 20, 1862, for wounds received at
battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., August 9, 1862.

Henry Wetzell, transferred to field and staff as chief bugler, May 1, 1863,
by order of Colonel Creighton.

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History of Erie County.

i 14

THE EIGHTH INFANTRY.

The Eighth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, like its immediate pred-
ecessor, the Seventh, was first recruited under the president’s first call for
seventy-five thousand troops “ to put down the rebellion.” But the field life
and vicissitudes of the Eighth were experienced in a generally different quar-
ter from those of the Seventh, as we find them only engaged in the same bat-
tles at Winchester, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.

For the Eighth Infantry the county of Erie contributed the greater portion
of Company E. The whole regiment was recruited between the 16th and 22d of
April, 1861, and the 29th of the same month found the men at Camp Taylor,
near Cleveland, awaiting orders to proceed to the front, but this movement
was not made until July 9, following. They did, however, proceed to Camp
Dennison on the 3d of May. The regimental organization was completed at
Camps Taylor and Dennison, and the boys were at once put through “ a
course of sprouts,” in order to make them as well informed on drill and mili-
tary tactics as was needed in field service. While in camp on the 22d of July,
1861, came the president’s call for five hundred thousand volunteers for three
years service, and in answer to this call the whole body of the Eighth, save
only Company I, enlisted for three years and was mustered into service on the
22d, 25th and 26th of June, 1861. On the 9th of July the Eighth left for
Grafton, Va., in which region were extensive operations between McClellan
and the rebel army under Garnett, the former then having much the best of it.

The first few weeks of regular army life for the Eighth were occupied in
guard and station duty at various points in the Allegheny Mountains and along
the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and here they suffered severely
from fever, over three hundred of the regiment being at one time in the hos-
pital and unfit for duty.

The Eighth was first engaged at Romney, Va., on the 23d and 24th of
September, and afterward on the 26th of October, in which engagements sev-
eral men were killed and wounded, but the regiment proved that they had
fighting qualities. These brushes ended the work of the Eighth for the year
1861, but the next year, from January to December, was almost a succession
of skirmishes, attacks and battles, the most important of which were Winches-
ter, Front Royal, Antietam, and Fredericksburg.

Early in January the regiment took part in the assault on Blue’s Gap. On
February 14 they had a sharp but brief fight at Bloomey Gap, and early in
March moved to the Shenandoah, and under command of General Shields, par-
ticipated in the battle of Winchester against the rebel army under Stonewall
Jackson ; but preceding that fight the Eighth made a good record in skirmish-
ing at Cedar Creek and Strasburg. This qualification led the regiment to be
deployed as skirmishers on the evening before, and the morning of, the battle at

Military History.

Winchester, but toward evening of the day of the battle they were drawn into
the general engagement and participated in the charge on the rebels’ right
flank, and by which they were thrown into confusion and utterly routed. Of
the Eighth companies C, E, D, and H, were engaged in this fight, and about
one-fourth of these were killed or wounded.

After Winchester was fought and won our skirmishing regiment, with the
army, followed up the valley of the Shenandoah, giving fight to the enemy at
Woodstock, Mount Jackson, Edinburgh and New Market, as only an active,
skirmishing command can do. This was continued during March and April
and a part of May, but on the 30th of the latter named month, under General
Kimball, they participated at Front Royal, and skirmished a distance of eight-
een miles. Here was captured the notorious female spy, Belle Boyd.

From Front Royal the brigade to which the Eighth was attached moved to
Harrison’s Landing, having daily skirmishes on the march. Arrived at that
place the regiment was placed in the second corps, in Kimball’s brigade and
French’s division. This corps acted as rear guard to the army during the re-
treat across the Chickahominy, thence they proceeded to Alexandria. The
Eighth acted with the supporting line at South Mountain, but not actively,
but crossed the mountain and skirmished with the enemy at Boonsboro and
Reedyville.

Antietam was fought on September 17, 1862. “In the advance,” says Reid,
“Kimball’s Brigade formed the third time, Morris and Max Weber’s preced-
ing. They struck the rebel line and were driven back, when Kimball advanced
at a double-quick, carrying the line handsomely, and holding it for four hours,
and until firing ceased in front. During this time Sedgwick was driven back on
the right, which made it necessary for the Fourteenth Indiana and the Eighth
Ohio to change front, which was done most gallantly, and saved the brigade
irom rout. General Sumner pronounced Kimball’s the ‘Gibralter Brigade.’”

After Antietam the regiment was constantly on skirmish duty at Hulltown,
Snicker’s Gap, United States Ford, in the reconnoissance to Leesburg and else-
where, and then engaged in the terrible battle at Fredericksburg, Va., Decem-
ber 13, 1862, where a loss of thirty- seven was sustained, after which the Eighth
remained in camp during the rest of the winter, but early in May participated
m the battle of Chancellorsville, where it was under constant fire for nearly
four days, but lost only thirteen in killed and wounded.

In the Gettysburg campaign the regiment was as actively engaged as in any
°f its numerous battles. In that engagement, on the afternoon of July 2d, it
was thrown forward beyond the Emmetsburg road, to drive the rebel sharp-
shooters from a knoll, from which they were rapidly picking off men. At
double-quick the position was taken, and held during the remainder of the
h&ht, notwithstanding the fact that three separate assaults were made against
*t, once by a force three regiments strong. Besides this the Eighth rendered

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History of Erie County.

i 1 6

General Hay’s division effective service. Gettysburg cost the Eighth Regi-
ment over one hundred men in killed and wounded.

In August, after pursuing and skirmishing with Lee’s retreating army the
Eighth received much needed rest and quiet in a trip to New York City to assist
in quelling the draft riots then raging.

Returning to the field the regiment joined the army at Culpepper, and par-
ticipated in the operations and engagements at Auburn and Bristow Station,
both in October, and at Robinson’s Cross Roads, Locust Grove and Nine Run,
the latter three in November, 1863.

The operations of 1864 were no less active with the Eighth Ohio. They
opened the last six months of army service with the battle at Morton’s Ford,
on February 6th, after which they next participated in the Wilderness fight, oc-
cupying a prominent position supporting the right. They recaptured a section
of a battery that the Sixth Corps had lost. On the 6th of May they were en-
gaged during the entire day, while on the 7th, 8th and 9th they again showed
their remarkable ability for successful skirmishing. Again at Po River and
.Spottsyl vania Court-House from the 10th to the 1 8th the regiment was closely
engaged, and lost heavily of its few remaining though determined men.

From Spottsyl vania Court-house to Petersburg the Eighth was constantly
on the move, at North Anna River, Cold Harbor and elsewhere ; now at close
quarters, again on the skirmish line, wherever they were ordered they went and
did as they were ordered unflinchingly, and without a murmur of discontent.

At Petersburg, from June 15th to the 19th, were they on the field or in the
trenches. In the latter place were they when their term of enlistment expired,
June 25, 1864.

Then they returned home, receiving ovations and receptions at several
places along the route. The Eighth was mustered out of service on the 13th
of July, 1864.

Those of the regiment whose term did not expire in June were consolidated
with the Fourth Regiment of Infantry and became the “ P'ourth Battalion Ohio
Infantry,” and were mustered out in July, 1865.

Roster Company E , Three Months Service.

H. G. De Puy, captain; James E. Gregg, first lieutenant; John Bixby, en-
sign; William D. Withered, Zenas W. Barker, jr., Samuel M. White, jr., H. C.
Jennings, George A. Scoby, D. VanKirk, Leonard Dewey Smith, S. G. Rossi-
ter, Charles H. Reed, Charles M. Keyes, A. T. Craig, O. H. Rosenbaum, Phi-
lander Derr, Charles G. Knight, William R. West, Benjamin E. Deely, West
B. Jennings, S. M. Ricker, Frederick M. Burton, S. A. Johnson, Lewis J. Lick,
Henry C. Morton, John W. De Puy, Eugene D. Bell, Bryant Headly, Charles
Ruggles, Leonard B. Osborn, C. M. Chapman, A. W. House, R. W. Spauld-
ing, E. Warren, A. A. Curry, William Lisles, Roger Walsh, William Brady,

Military History.

«7

Byron Wheeler, George Fuller, E. B. Fuller, Robert Latham, D. D. Bogart, J.
Hinckley, Obed Caswell, Isaac P. Grover, George Quick, W. K. D. Townsend,
Isaac DePuy, George J. Osborne, Lane Lockwood, Edward Hadley, Henry
Conner, William H. Harris, Charles Clark, Burton Eigler, William Brown, An-
drew D. McKisson, N. H. Chamberlin, James P. Harris, John Bartlett, Lester
V. McKisson, Sexton Duley, Jefferson Dailey, John Dailey, N. H. Hammond,
Horace R. Wood, Valentine Walter, Lyman Smith, Byron W. Hoford, O. E.
Bacon, Harper Bill, William Wolverton, John House, Judson Willard, Peter
Epp, Frederick Zorn, Benevil Slagal, John Donnelly, Sanford Harper, D. F.
German, P. M. Cannon, W. W. Miller, R. W. Foster, G. V. Smith, F. B. Col-
ven, C. B. Rone, Francis Pearson, Walter Caswell, William L. Banks.

Roster Field and Staff — Three Years Service.

Herman G. De Puy, colonel ; resigned November 9, 1861.

Samuel S. Carroll, colonel; in command of brigade since May 4, 1862;
wounded at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; mustered out with regiment July
13. 1865.

Charles A. Park, lieutenant-colonel; promoted to lieutenant-colonel ‘from
first lieutenant, company H, July 8,T86i ; resigned November 4, 1862.

Franklin Sawyer, lieutenant-colonel; promoted from captain company Dy
to major, July 8, 1861 ; to lieutenant-colonel, November 25, 1861 ; wounded
at battle of Gettysburg July 1, 1863; brevetted brigadier-general ; mustered
out with regiment July 13, 1864.

Albert H. Winslow, major ; promoted from captain, company A, Novem-
ber 25, 1861 ; mustered out with regiment July 13, 1864.

Roster Company E.

James E. Gregg, captain; served in 1863-4 as division inspector ; mus-
tered out with company July 13, 1864.

Wells W. Miller, first lieutenant ; .promoted to captain and assigned to
company H March 11, 1862.

Alfred T. Craig, first lieutenant; promoted from second lieutenant to first
lieutenant March 11, 1862; to captain and assigned to company F March 4,
*863.

James K. O’Reiley, first lieutenant; transferred from company B June I,
1863; mustered out with company June 13, 1864.

James D. Wetherell, second lieutenant; appointed first sergeant from pri-
vate August 28, 1861 ; promoted to second lieutenant March 11, 1862; first
lieutenant October 17, 1862, and assigned to company A February 23, 1S63.

Lester V. McKesson, second lieutenant ; appointed sergeant from corporal.
August 28, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant March 4, 1863; mustered
°nt with company July 13, 1864.

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I is

History of Erie County.

Zenas VV. Baker, first sergeant; died August 28, 1861, at Oakland, Md.

Horace H. Bill, first sergeant ; appointed first sergeant from corporal 1861 ;
sergeant-major June 25, 1861, and transferred to Field and Staff.

Romeo W. Foster, first sergeant; appointed sergeant from corporal 1862;
first sergeant June 18, 1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

John W. De Puy, first sergeant; appointed first sergeant from sergeant
March 11, 1862; sergeant-major May I, 1862, and transferred to Field and
Staff

Charles M. Chapman, sergeant; appointed corporal August 28, 1861 ; ser-
geant May I, 1863; wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, Va., May 12,
1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

Major S. Davis, sergeant ; appointed corporal November 20, 1861; ser-
geant April 15, 1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

Henry Owens, sergeant; appointed corporal November 1, 1862 ; sergeant
June 18, 1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

Augustus W. Porter, sergeant; appointed corporal September 17, 1862;
sergeant April 15, 1863 ; killed March 6, 1864, in battle of the Wilderness.

Samuel Edwards, sergeant ; appointed sergeant from private July 1, 1862 ;
died from wounds received near Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864.

Oscar E. Bacon, sergeant; appointed sergeant from corporal March 1,
1864; died April n, 1864, in United States General Hospital, Baltimore, Md.

Augustus Fergel, sergeant; appointed corporal January I, 1862; sergeant
May 1, 1863; wounded at the battle of the Wilderness May 6, 1864; mus-
tered out January 20, 1865.

Aurelius A. Curry, sergeant; appointed corporal June 25, 1861 ; sergeant
May I, 1862; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.

Frederick Zorn, corporal ; appointed corporal April 15, 1864; mustered
out with company July 13, 1864.

Philander Derr, corporal; appointed corporal April 1 5, 1864; mustered out
with company July 13, 1864.

Philip Gatz, corporal ; appointed corporal May I, 1864 ; mustered out with
company July 13, 1864.

Isaac Hinkley, corporal; appointed corporal June 25, 1861 ; killed in bat-
tle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862.

James Fernald, corporal ; discharged October 1, 1861, on surgeon’s cer-
tificate of disability.

Leonard D. Smith, corporal; discharged July 31, 1862, on surgeon’s cer-
tificate of disability.

William Liles, corporal ; discharged April 1, 1863, for wounds received at
Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862.

Charles Simpson, corporal; appointed corporal November 20, 1861; trans-
ferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1862, by order of war de-
partment.

4. Ilicr:

Military History.

119

Alanson Yeoman, corporal ; appointed corporal November 1, 1863 ; trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps July I, 1864, by order of war department.

R. B. Cady, corporal; died April II, 1864; buried in London Park Na-
tional Cemetery.

William Braby, musician ; no record.

Charles B. Roe, musician ; no record.

Privates .

James Anderson, killed May 24, 1864, in battle of North Anna River.

John Allen, no record.

Frederick Allen, no record.

George W. Alspaugh, discharged June 30, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

William Brown, no record.

Jehial Bare, no record.

George D. Beatty, discharged December 25, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Samuel Beeler, discharged June 16, 1862, for wounds received at battle of
Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862.

Martin Beck, reduced to ranks from sergeant September 17, 1862; trans-
ferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23, 1862, by order of war de-
partment.

Otto Boesch, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by order of war de-
partment.

Richard D. Brewer, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by order of war
department.

William L. Bretz, reduced to ranks from corporal November 25, 1861 ;
transferred to Brigade Band May 1, 1862 ; to company E June 6, 1864 ; mus-
tered out with company July 13, 1864.

Charles Clark, mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

John M. Conner, died September 24, 1862, at Antietam, Md.

Charles Cartwright, no record.

Frank B. Carter, no record.

Henry E. Conner, discharged May 1, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Samuel Cherry, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by order of war de-
partment.

George R. Derr, killed May 24, 1864, in battle of North Anna River.

Sexton Dudley, discharged January 24, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Jefferson Dailey, discharged December 10, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
°f disability.

, .jnt)h ■ >t>

;

tij-f

120

History of Erie County.

John Dailey, discharged January 20, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Peter Epp, discharged January 12, 1863, for wounds received in action.

George E. Flanders, discharged November I, 1862, at Camp Dennison, O.,
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Stephen Giles, died March 27, 1862, from wounds received at battle of
Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862.

Richard F. Gray, no record.

Harmon Groff, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23,
1862, by order of war department.

Philip Grover, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23.,
1862, by order of war department.

William H. Harris, mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

Henry H. Haines, no record found.

Frederick Harrington, discharged January 20, 1862, on surgeon’s certifi-
cate of disability.

John H. House, discharged July 7, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Stephen Hinkley, discharged May 3, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Patrick Hinchey, discharged June I, 1862, by order of war department.

John Howard, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23,
1862, by order of war department.

William H. Haas, transferred to company A June 25, 1861.

John H. Jack, appointed first sergeant July 1, 1861 ; reduced to ranks
Aoril 6, 1863 ; discharged June 28, 1864, at Columbus, O.

Warren F. June, no record found.

James Jones, no record found.

Antone Knabiel, discharged January 1, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Lorenzo Luce, transferred to Invalid Corps September 14, 1863, by order
of war department.

James D. Martin, died March 17, 1862, from wounds received at Win-
chester, Va., March 23, 1862.

James Maiear, died May 12, 1862, from wounds received at battle of Win-
chester, Va., March 23, 1862.

John C. McEnally ; no record found.

John McGinness ; no record found.

Adam Moose, jr. ; discharged November 18, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Henry D. C. Mills; discharged November 20, 1862, for wounds received
at battle of Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862.

Military History.

Martin V. Mixer; discharged December 23, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Charles H. Merrick; transferred to company H July 5, 1861.

Henry McDonald ; transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23,
1S62.

T. G. Maxwell; died March 9, 1854; buried at Spring Grove National
Cemetery, lot No. 210, Cincinnati, O.

Theodore Neile; wounded at Cold Harbor, Va. ; prisoner of war in Ander-
sonville June 3, 1864; no record of muster-out found.

Francis Pearson; no record found.

William Paul ; no record found.

Thomas H. Pyle; discharged December 3, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Henry S. Porter; discharged December 3, 1863, for wounds received at
battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862.

Frederick Renther ; prisoner of war from October 15, 1863, to June 10,
1864; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

Edgar J. Reed ; discharged December 2, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Lerman Smith, wounded at battle of Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862;
mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

Joseph Stibel ; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

Gustavus V. Smith; killed in skirmish at Worthington, Va., September 1,
1861.

Lyman Smith; died September u, 1861, at Grafton, Va.

John Smith; died January 11, 1862, from accidental gun-shot wound.

Peter Shumaker; died March 25, 1862, from wound received at battle of
Winchester, March 23, 1862.

Joseph T. Smith ; no record found.

Merrill Starr; discharged January 27, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Hugo C. Springer; discharged December 2, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Frank L. Saeffing ; discharged April 8, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Henry C. Schenk; discharged August 15, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Franklin Trube ; killed in battle of Antietam, Md., September 17, 1S62.

Albert J. Vining ; transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October 23,
1 ot^2* by order of war department.

Roger L. Walsh ; wounded in battles of Winchester and the Wilderness ;

amputated; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

122

History of Erie County.

Horace R. Wood; mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

James M. Webber; wounded at battle of Petersburg, Va., June 19, 1864;
mustered out with company July 13, 1864.

Valentine Walter; died June 18, 1864, from wounds received at battle of
Wilderness, Va., May 10, 1864; buried in Arlington, Va., National Cemetery.

Charles F. Warner ; no record found.

Fayette Walcott; discharged March 5, 1863, for wounds received in action.

William Wilson; discharged November 4, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Ebenezer E. Warren ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 30,

1863, by order of war department.

Christian W. Weidel; transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry October
23, 1863, by order of war department.

Jacob Weidman ; transferred to company A June 25, 1861.

Isaac Wilson ; transferred to commandant at Camp Cleveland, O., July 13,

1864.

THE TWENTY- FOURTH INFANTRY.

The Twenty-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at
Camps Chase and Jackson during the latter part of May and the early part of
June, 1861. To its formation no less than eleven counties made a contribu-
tion of men, young men, most of them, strong and active. The county of Erie
sent into this command a large contingent of company E. The greater portion
of this company was enlisted in June, 1861, but recruits were received during
1863 and 1864.

Although the regiment entered the service in June, it was not until about
the middle of September, following, that it engaged in its first battle. During
the latter part of July the Twenty-fourth left camp for Cheat Mountain, Va.,
where they encamped and prepared for guard duty. The enemy were within
a short marching distance, and picket firing and skirmishing were not infre-
quent.

On the morning of September 12 the regiment was surrounded by the
rebel forces and barely escaped capture. Lack of proper vigilance was the
cause of this disaster. But the boys soon rallied and formed a line of battle
and made a stout and successful resistance, but not without some loss in killed
and wounded. The roster will disclose the fact that as many of company C
were killed or wounded at Cheat Mountain as in any other place, excepting
possibly Chickamauga, Ga.

The Twenty-fourth was next engaged at Greenbrier, Va., on the 3d of
October, where they were exposed to a heavy fire, but for all of that their loss
was inconsiderable, two being killed and three wounded. This ended the
fighting for 1861. The regiment proceeded to Louisville, Ky., arriving there
on the 28th of November. While here the Twenty-fourth was attached to the
Fourth Division of the Tenth Brigade of the Army of the Ohio.

■ v

Military History.

123

Late in February, 1862, the command reached Nashville, Tenn., where it
remained some weeks, and then proceeded to Savannah, reaching that place on
April 5, much worn and fatigued by marching over heavy roads, and wading
through streams and marshes.

The regiment next participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, losing
over thirty in killed and wounded, and afterward skirmished with the enemy
on the march toward Corinth, which latter place the Twenty- fourth was one
of the first regiments to occupy. In October the regiment was assigned to the
Fourth Division of the Twenty-first Army Corps. At Perryville, on the 8th,
it was present on the field but not actively engaged.

In December General Rosecrans moved toward Nashville. The Twenty-
fourth was in an exceedingly unfortunate condition. Company A was on
detached duty, and the balance of the command numbered less than three hun-
dred and fifty serviceable men, sickness, discharges for disability, transfers,
losses, and desertions having reduced the regiment to that number. However,
with that strength the Twenty-fourth went into the battle of Stone River,
Tenn., on the last day of the year 1862. It was given an important position
in this battle, and held firmly, doing excellent service, but losing heavily,
there being nearly ninety lost in killed and wounded, or about one-fourth its
entire strength. Next came Woodbury, on the 24th of January, with but
slight loss.

No further important battle was participated in by the regiment until the
Chickamauga engagement in which it also lost a number of officers and men.
After this was over Colonel Higgins and Major McClure were “permitted” to
resign from the service. At Lookout Mountain, November 24, 1863, at Mis-
sion Ridge, November 25, and at Taylor’s Ridge, Ga., November 27, the reg-
iment was engaged, after which it was assigned to the Second Division of the
fourth Corps. The final battle in which it participated was at Buzzard Roost,
°r Rocky Face Ridge, on February 25-27, 1864, and in April following was
sent to Chattanooga to await orders for muster-out. In June it proceeded to
Columbus, and was, excepting Company D. mustered out by companies, at
different dates, from June 17 to 24, by reason of expiration of term of service.
Company C was mustered out on June 22, by J. M. Eyster, captain Eighteenth
Infantry United States Army.

Roster Field and Staff.

Jacob Ammen, colonel, promoted to brigadier-general United States Vol-
unteers, July 16, 1862.

frederick C. Jones, colonel; promoted to colonel May 14, 1862 ; killed De-
cember 31, 1862, at battle of Stone River, Tennessee.

David J. Higgins, colonel ; promoted from captain company C January 1,
1863;

resigned October 23, 1863.

124

History of Erie County.

Samuel A. Gilbert, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted to colonel Forty-fourth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry October 18, 1 86 1 .

Lucien C. Buttles, lieutenant- colonel ; promoted from major October 14,
1861 ; resigned November 28, 1861.

Albert S. Hall, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted to major from captain com-
pany F December 20, 1861 ; lieutenant-colonel May 14, 1862; colonel One
Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry August II, 1862.

Armstead T. M. Cockrill, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted from captain com-
pany D December 31, 1862 ; to colonel October 23, 1863, but not mustered ;
mustered out June 24, 1864.

Shelton Sturgess, major; promoted from captain company B October 14,
1861 ; resigned November 28, 1861.

Henry Terry, major; promoted from captain company G May 14, 1862 ;
to lieutenant-colonel August 11, 1862, but not mustered; killed December 31,
1862, in battle of Stone River, Tennessee.

Thomas M. McClure, major ; promoted from captain company K Decem-
ber 31, 1862 ; resigned.

William B. Sturgess, major; promoted from captain company A October

3, 1863 ; mustered out with regiment June 24, 1864.

Roster Company C.

Mustered into service June 1, 1861, at Camp Johnson, Ohio, by John C.
Robinson, captain Fifth Infantry, United States Army; mustered out June 22,
1864, at Columbus, O.

David J. Higgins, captain; promoted to colonel January I, 1863.

DeWitt C. Wadsworth, captain; promoted to first lieutenant from second
lieutenant December 20, 1861 ; transferred to company I ; promoted to cap-
tain December 31, 1862 ; died September 21, 1863, of wounds received Sep-
tember 20, 1863, at the battle of Chickamauga, Georgia.

William C. Beck, captain ; appointed first sergeant from sergeant October

4, 1861 ; promoted to second lieutenant June 6, 1862 ; first lieutenant Decem-
ber 31, 1862 ; captain April 21, 1864; mustered out with company June 22,
1864.

Enoch Weller, first lieutenant ; promoted to captain company H October
3, 1861.

John H. Elbert first lieutenant; promoted from second lieutenant, company
E, October 15, 1861 ; resigned January 6, 1862.

George W. Brown, first lieutenant ; promoted from private company A
April 21, 1864; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infan-
try, 1864.

Robert B. Billingsly, first sergeant ; appointed from sergeant June 29, 1861 ;
•died October 4, 1861, at Cheat Mountain, Va.

Military History.

125

Leonard B. Osborn, first sergeant ; appointed from corporal October 8,
1861 ; first sergeant July 8, 1862; mustered out with company June 22,

1864-

Alfred Marion, sergeant; appointed from corporal September 1, 1861;
killed December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tennessee.

John R. Baker, sergeant; reduced from first sergeant June 29, 1861;
died October 7, 1861, at Cheat Mountain, Va.

Lindly M. Tullis, sergeant; appointed from corporal October 4, 1861 ; killed
September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Ga.

John M. Root, sergeant ; died August 24, 1861, at Cheat Mountain Va.

George L. Dix, sergeant; appointed corporal March 1, 1862; sergeant
July 8, 1862; discharged October 3, 1862, to enlist in the Fourth United
States Artillery.

Israel J. Deemer, sergeant; mustered as private; appointed sergeant April
I, 1862; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Peter W. Smith, sergeant; appointed from musician December 31, 1862;
mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

James Quinn, sergeant; appointed corporal June 1, 1862; sergeant De-
cember 31, 1862 ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Jason R. Orton, corporal; appointed corporal August 30, 1862; died April
18, 1863, *n hospital at Quincy, 111., from wounds received in battle of Stone
River, Tennessee.

Joseph H. Wright, corporal; discharged April 23, 1863, to accept ap-
pointment as contract surgeon.

Henry H. Arner, corporal; appointed corporal June I, 1862; discharged
October 23, 1862 to enlist in Fourth United States Artillery.

Fisher A. Billingsley, corporal; appointed corporal September 1, 1861 ;
discharged May 18, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

John Matt, corporal; appointed corporal December 21, 1861.

Richard Slette, corporal ; appointed corporal September 1, 1861 ; dis-
charged to enlist in Fourth United States Artillery.

Henry Meyer, corporal; transferred to company F Eighteenth Ohio Vol-
unteer Infantry, 1864 ; veteran.

Eewis Rubel, corporal ; appointed corporal March 12, 1861 ; transferred to
company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1864; veteran.

James F. H. Cook, corporal ; appointed corporal ; transferred to company
f'. Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry January 2, 1864; veteran.

William English, corporal ; appointed corporal March 12, 1864; trans-
*‘-'rred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry , 1864; vet-

eran.

John H. Roberts, corporal; appointed corporal June 1, 1862; wounded
December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tennessee.

■

126

History of Erie County.

John Liddle, corporal; appointed corporal July 8, 1862; wounded Sep-
tember 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Georgia.

John Whalon, corporal; appointed corporal November 23, 1862; mus-
tered out with company June 22, 1864.

John Sheppard, corporal ; appointed corporal December 31, 1862 ; mus-
tered out with company June 22, 1864.

Irwin G. Porter, corporal ; appointed corporal November 31, 1862 ; mus-
tered out with company June 22, 1864.

Jeremiah E. Williams, musician ; mustered out with company June 22,
1864.

Richard Larimer, wagoner; transferred from company H July 2, 1861;
mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Privates.

Ole Anderson ; killed July 25, 1861, at Camp Chase by the accidental dis-
charge of a gun.

Nelson Arnold ; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry , 1864; veteran.

John Arni ; transferred to company H July 2, 1861.

Isaac H. Ames; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry , 1864.

Dayton Andrews; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry , 1864.

Francis Bradley; reduced from corporal December 31, 1861 ; died March
22, 1862, near Duck River, Tennessee.

Henry C. Beck ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Simon Bernhart ; reduced from corporal September I, 1861; mustered
out with company June 22, 1864.

Isaac Burlingame ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Lewis Bernstine; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

John Brokely; died July 4, 1862, at Athens, Ala.

Samuel Bradner ; no record found.

Benjamin F. Burcan ; discharged January 18, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

William L. Benton ; transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volun-
teer Infantry, , 1864.

Thomas W. Carpenter; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Thomas C. Campbell; died November 16, 1861, at Cheat Mountain, Va.

Charles Castle ; no record found.

Jeremiah Cole, discharged October 2, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

John C. Dildine, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Military History.

127

George Dart, killed January 13, 1863, by Joseph King, at Murfreesboro,
Tenn.

John Donevon, wounded September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, Ga.,
transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, , 1864.

Samuel F. Donaldson, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Vol-
unteer Infantry, , 1864; veteran.

John L. Dunbar, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, , 1864.

Frederick Everhardt, discharged October 24. 1862, to enlist in Fourth
United States Artillery.

James S. Edsall, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, , 1864; veteran.

John L. Ennis, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, , 1864.

Alanson Ford, no record found.

Hiram Fosnot, discharged August, 8, 1861, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Victor W. Frederick, transferred to company H, July 2, 1861.

Solomon Foster, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, , 1864.

Joshua Foster, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, , 1864.

Caleb Garrett, discharged August 25, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Chambers O. Gamble, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volun-
teer Infantry, , 1864; veteran.

John Grose, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps August 5, 1863, by or-
der of war department.

Henry Garrett, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, , 1864.

John H. Hibler, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

George W. Hanan, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Gilbert H. Hewitt, record missing.

John Heater, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, , 1864; veteran.

Isaac Jones, died March 26, 1862, in hospital at Nashville, Tenn.

Joseph King, record missing.

Frederick A Ketcham, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volun-
teer Infantry, , 1864.

William Luff, discharged May 8, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Henry Leonard, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry,

1864.

. .

128

History of Erie County.

Michael McGasky, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Peter Miller, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Frank L. Meyers, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Charles McGraves, reduced from wagoner September I, 1861 ; discharged
February 16, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

William Marlow, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer
Iniantry, ,1864; veteran.

George Neidle, appointed corporal September 1, 1861 ; reduced to ranks
December 21, 1861 ; discharged May 17, 1862.

Rufus L. Ney, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, , 1864; veteran.

Benjamin F. Peterson, discharged January 18, 1862, on surgeon’s certifi-
cate of disability.

William A. Roller, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Jacob Rinehart, wounded September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga,
Ga. ; mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Peter Ryan, discharged April 3, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Jackson Ryan, discharged May 17, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of disa-
bility. '

Samuel Richy, discharged, date unknown.

Henry B. Robinson, discharged August 18, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Joshua M. Roller, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, , 1864.

Bohart Stineley, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

George Stubenhofer, mustered out with company June 22, 1S64.

Charles Shurley, wounded September 19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga,
Ga. ; absent, sick in hospital at Madison, Ind. ; mustered out June 22, 1864, by
order of war department.

Peter J. Shuster, died October 9, 1861, at Cheat Mountain, Va.

Charles Sill, discharged May 31, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

David Steigle, wounded Dec. 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tenn. ;
transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 15, 1864, by order of war de-
partment.

Philip Smith, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infan-
try , 1864.

Patrick Shunnessev. transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volun-
teer Infantry, , 1864.

Henry Traut, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

John E. Taylor, died January 7, 1863, of wounds received at battle of
Stone River December 31, 1862.

Sylvanus F. Tullis, records missing.

Military History.

129

William Tits wood, discharged July 20, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Benjamin F. Taylor, discharged October 24, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Frederick Tester, discharged September 8, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Richard B. Tullis, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 16, 1864,
by order of war department.

William Voit, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

George Vining, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

John Q. Vanderslice, discharged August 19, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

George Waters, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

Jacob Warner, mustered out with company June 22, 1864.

John Weyle, died April I, 18C2, in hospital at Nashville, Tenn.

Charles Wilson, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, 1864; veteran.

Joseph M. Waldorf, transferred to Veteran Reserve . Corps, September 1,
1863, by order of war department.

Thomas Weston, transferred to company F, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, , 1864.

THE FIFTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.

To the numerical strength of this regiment Erie county contributed as largely
as to any represented by the county in the three years service. Companies A,

C. D and I were recruited in this and Huron counties, while the field and staff
of the regiment were also in part composed of men from the sections named.

The regiment was raised during the months of September, October and
November, 1861, and rendezvoused at Norwalk, the county seat of Huron
county. It was not until the latter part of January, 1862, that the Fifty-fifth
broke camp at Norwalk, and proceeded to Grafton, W. Va ., where it remained
for a short time, and thence went to New Creek. Here the men experienced
some severe marching service and engaged in a brisk skirmish at Moorefield,
but in February the regiment returned to Grafton.

Like all commands of northern troops, unused to the climate of the South,
the men of the Fifty-fifth suffered severely from contagious and infectious dis-
eases ; many died and others were rendered wholly unfit for active service.

During the latter part of April the regiment, except companies D, E and

D, moved with Schenck’s brigade, to which it was attached, to McDowell, in

battle at which place they were engaged, acting in support of a battery,

**ad not under heavy fire. At Cross Keys the regiment was on the field but
not engaged. After this they moved to Middletown, near Winchester, where
the regiment was brigaded with the Twenty-fifth, Seventy-third and Seventy-
f»Kh Ohio regiments and was attached to General Schenck’s division.

■

History of Erie County.

130

On August 9, 1862, the brigade participated in the fight at Cedar Moun-
tain and suffered some loss. Again at the Second Bull Run, on the 30th of
the same month, they lay in support of a battery when the rebels appeared
on their flank, with whom they at once engaged and continued until dark when
the whole line fell back to Centreville. After this the regiment went into
camp for a few days on Munson’s Hill, but on September 22, returned to Cen-
treville. From this point a number of reconnoissances were made but no general
engagement was participated in until the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2,
1863, with the Eleventh Corps, to which it had been assigned. In the Chan-
cellorsville fight the Fifty-fifth lost one hundred and fifty-three men in killed,
wounded and missing. The regiment was then assigned to the Second
Brigade of the Second Division and so remained until the end of its term of
service.

From Brooks’s Station the Fifty-fifth with its brigade marched to Gettys-
burg, Pa., where it again was engaged, first being posted on Cemetery Hill,
but afterward moving- to the left of the Baltimore Pike. While notin the reg-
ular battle line, the regiment was continually exposed to a severe fire and lost
fifty men. The regiment joined in pursuit of the retreating rebel forces for
some days and on July 25th went into camp at Catlett’s Station, when it was
assigned to picket duty.

In September the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps left camp, and by a series of
movements by rail and marching, reached the battle ground of Mission Ridge
where they were engaged on November 25, and suffered a slight loss, their po-
sition being on che extreme left. After this the Fifty-fifth entered on the
Knoxville campaign. This was made in the dead of winter, without tents or
blankets. On the 1st of January following the Knoxville campaign three hun-
dred and nineteen of the men of the Fifty- fifth re-enlisted, aad thus became
veterans. They were granted an extended leave of absence, and it was not
until the early part of March, 1864, that they again encamped in the Lookout
Valley. At about this time the Eleventh and Twelfth army corps were con-
solidated and denominated the Twentieth, of which the Fifty- fifth formed a
part of the Third Brigade of the Third Division.

Then commenced the Atlanta' campaign, and in it the regiment partici-
pated. The month of May witnessed a succession of active operations, com-
mencing with the affair at Buzzard’s Roost Gap, Ga., on the 5th; again on the
15th came the engagement at Resaca, where the regiment was under heavy
fire and lost nearly one hundred men. From May 19 to the early part of June,
the Fifty-fifth were in a series of maneuvres about Cassville, Dallas, New
Hope Church and Marietta, and the 9th of June found them engaged in the
operations at Kenesaw Mountain, which continued during the best part of the
month.

Military History. ,

131

The month of July found the brigade to which the Fifty-fifth belonged en-
g.iged in the movements and battle at Chattahoochie River, on the 12th, and
’so at Peach Tree Creek, on the 20th. Further, they participated in the other
operations just prior to and during the siege of Atlanta. This latter occupied
from July 28 to September 2, 1864, and about this time the city was occupied
and comfortable quarters found for the men. When the regiment left Look-
out Valley to enter upon this campaign, it numbered about four hundred men
fit for service, but in the events that followed up to the time that Atlanta was
occupied, that number was reduced by about one-half, so that the entire avail-
able force amounted to less than two hundred. About the 1st of November
the regiment received drafted men, substitutes, and some fecruits, numbering
in all some two hundred, and about this time those who were not veterans

were mustered out.

On the 15th of November the brigade left Atlanta and took up the line of
march toward the sea. On the 21st of December it arrived at Savannah, and
went into camp on the northwest of the city. Here it remained until the early
part of January, 1865, when it moved to the opposite side of the river.

In March commenced the campaign of the Carolinas, and on the 16th and
19th the regiment encountered the enemy at Smith’s Farm, and lost, in the
two fights, about fifty men. On the 24th Goldsboro was reached, and the
troops passed in review before their gallant commander, General Sherman.
Prom Goldsboro the Fifty-fifth went to Raleigh, and on the 30th commenced
the return to Washington. Richmond was reached May 11, and on the 18th
the regiment encamped near Alexandria. On the 24th it crossed Long Bridge
and participated in the grand review, after which it went into camp near Wash-
ington. Upon the disbanding of the Twentieth corps, the Ohio regiments be-
longing to it were organized .into a provisional brigade, and were assigned to
the Fourteenth corps. On the 10th of June they proceeded to Louisville, Ky.,
and here, on the I ith of July, the Fifty- fifth was mustered out of service.

Th ree and one-half years of army life told seriously against the Fifty-fifth,
from all sources it received during this time thirteen hundred and fifty men,
and of these seven hundred and fifty were either killed or wounded. Ten offi-
cers were wounded, and eight were either killed or died from wounds. The
regiment was engaged in about thirty battles or skirmishes, of greater or less
-verity, the more prominent of which were McDowell, Va., May 8, 1862, and
thereafter at Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, the Second Bull Run, Chancellors-
v‘he, Gettysburg, Pa., Orchard Knob, Tenn., Mission Ridge, Buzzard’s Roost
r, lp. Resaca, Cassville, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie River, Peach Tree
r' k, Siege of Atlanta, Turner’s Ferry, Savannah, Arnysboro and Benton-
^his list of battles is credited the regiment in the work entitled “ Ros-
ter of Ohio Soldiers.”

History of Erie County.

Roster — Field and Staff.

John C. Lee, colonel ; promoted from major November 20, 1 86 1 ; resigned
May 8, 1863.

Charles B. Gambee, colonel ; promoted to major from captain company A,
October 2, 1862; to lieutenant-colonel March 4, 1863; to colonel May 8,
1863 ; killed May 16, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.

George H. Safford, lieutenant-colonel; resigned March 4, 1863.

James M. Stevens, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted to major from captain
company H, March 4, 1863; wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellors-
ville, Va. ; arm amputated; promoted to lieutenant-colonel May 8, 1863; re-
signed May 25, 1864.

Edwin H. Powers, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted from captain company K,
June 27, 1864; mustered out with regiment July 11, 1865.

Daniel F. De Wolf, major; promoted from adjutant November 25, 1861 ;
resigned October 2, 1862.

Rudolphus Robbins, major ; promoted from captain company K, May 8,
1863; killed May 16, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.

Charles P. Wickham, major; promoted from captain company I, June 27,
1864; brevet lieutenant-colonel March 13, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment
July II, 1865.

Roster Company C.

Horatio N. Shipman, captain; appointed captain October 16, 1861 ; re-
signed March 10, 1863.

Henry Miller, captain ; promoted from first lieutenant company K, Febru-
ary 12, 1863; resigned September 28, 1864.

Benjamin F. Evans, captain ; promoted from first lieutenant company B,
April 24, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865.

Henry W. Persing, first lieutenant; appointed first lieutenant October 16,

1861 ; promoted to captain and assistant quartermaster July 18, 1863.

Thomas O’Leary, first lieutenant; appointed first sergeant from sergeant

April 4, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant July 17, 1862; first lieutenant
March 6, 1863 ; resigned December 28, -1863.

John R. Lowe, first lieutenant; appointed sergeant from corporal April 4,

1862 ; first sergeant July 17, 1862 ; promoted to sergeant- major February 11,
1863; promoted from second lieutenant company B, March 9, 1864, to cap-
tain company H, June 27, 1864.

Thomas W. Miller, first lieutenant; transferred from adjutant September 2,
1864 ; mustered out January 4, 1865, on expiration of term of enlistment.

John Bellman, first lieutenant; promoted from first sergeant company E,
April 24, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865.

Arthur Cranston, second lieutenant ; appointed second lieutenant October
l6, 1861; resigned March 15, 1862.

. - ' i=

Military History.

William S. Wickham, second lieutenant ; transferred from company D,
June I, 1863 ; transferred to company B.

Walter W. Thomas, first sergeant; promoted to second lieutenant March
j - 1S62, but not mustered; died April 2, 1862, at Grafton, Va.

Henry B. Warren, first sergeant; wounded July 3, 1863, in battle of Get-
tysburg, Pa. ; appointed first sergeant from corporal January 1, 1864; pro-
moted to quartermaster-sergeant October 28, 1864; veteran.

David A. Warren, first sergeant; appointed corporal April 10, 1862 ; ser-
geant October 27, 1862; wounded July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg,! Pa. ;
appointed first sergeant October 28, 1864; wounded March 19, 1865, in bat-
tle of Bentonville, N. C. ; discharged July 3, 1865, at De Camp Hospital, N.
V. ; veteran.

Alonzo Keeler, sergeant ; appointed corporal October 1, 1862; sergeant,
January I, 1864; mustered out with company July II, 1865; veteran.

James Hartney, sergeant ; appointed corporal January 1,1864; sergeant,
October 28, 1864; mustered out with company July n, 1865 ; veteran.

Robert Young, sergeant; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865 ; vet-
eran.

Azenia A. Nichols, sergeant ; appointed corporal January 1, 1864; ser-
geant, May 1, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

William H. Long, sergeant; appointed from corporal October 16, 1861 ;
discharged October 22, 1862, at , N. J.

James Young, sergeant; discharged April 1, 1863, at Columbus, O., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Charles C. Lowe, corporal ; appointed corporal July 11, 1864; mustered
out with the regiment July n, 1865 ; veteran.

Andrew W. Clawson, corporal; appointed corporal November 7, 1864;
mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

Henry J. Fay, corporal; captured May 8, 1862, in battle of McDowell, Va. ;
exchanged ; appointed corporal January 6, 1865 ; mustered out with company
July n, 1865 ; veteran.

Jonathan Welch, jr. , corporal ; wounded July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettys-
burg, Pa. ; November 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn. ; appointed
corporal May 1, 1865 ; mustered out with company July II, 1865 ; veteran.

Francis M. Nichols, corporal; appointed corporal May 1, 1865 ; mustered
°ut with company July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

Charles G. Drake, corporal; appointed corporal ; mustered out June

1865, at Washington, D. C., by order of war department.

Myron Gregory, corporal ; appointed corporal ; wounded August 30,

*862, in battle of Bull Run, Va. ; captured September 28, 1864; mustered
°ut May 20, 1865, by order of war department ; veteran.

Albert G. Barenett, corporal; appointed corporal November 4, 1862;

134

History of Erie County.

wounded November 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn.; killed July
20, 1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga.

Frank P. Barton, corporal; appointed corporal January I, 1864; died May
22, 1864, of wounds received May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; veteran.

William H. Crawford, corporal; appointed corporal January 1, 1864; killed
May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; veteran.

William B. Sarman, corporal; appointed corporal November 8, 1864; killed
March 19, 1865, in battle of Bentonville, N. C.; veteran.

Francis Van Gorder, corporal ; appointed corporal ; wounded July

July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.; mustered out January 17, 1865, at
Baltimore, Md., on expiration of term of enlistment.

Milton N. Cowles, corporal ; appointed corporal ; captured May 8,

1862, at battle of McDowell, Va.; exchanged ; wounded June 24, 1864, in ac-
tion ; mustered out October 29, 1864, at hospital, Camp Dennison, O., at ex-
piration of term of service.

William Jager, corporal; appointed corporal ; discharged Decem-

ber 23, 1862, at Stafford Court-House, Va., on surgeon’s certificate of disa-
bility.

James D. Walker, corporal; discharged October 29, 1862, at Fairfax, Va.,
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

William Bellamy, corporal; appointed color bearer; killed August 30, 1862,
in battle of Bull Run, Va.

Alden Emmons, corporal; appointed corporal ; died July 19, 1862,

at Baltimore, Md.

John Bowers, musician; discharged October 5, 1862, at Columbus, O., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Billy N. Messenger, musician; discharged September 3, 1862, at Balti-
more, Md., on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Privates.

Albert Adams ; discharged November 5, 1862, at Alexandria, Va., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

Ernest Anson ; wounded July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.; dis-
charged May 30, 1864, at Camp Dennison, Ohio.

Alonzo Adams ; no record found.

Xavier Bergmeyer; mustered out with company July 1 1 , 1865; veteran.

Robert Blake ; mustered out with company July 11, 1863 ; veteran.

Enoch M. Bell ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Philip Brewer; discharged June 27, 1865, by order of war department.

Silas Brown ; mustered out June 22, 1865, at Camp Dennison, O., by or-
der of war department.

Robert B. Baldwin ; veteran ; no record found.

Military History.

i35

Edwin H. Butler; reduced to ranks from corporal ; discharged Jan-

irv 20, 1863, at Washington, D. C., on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

William H. H. Bemis ; discharged October 27, 1862, at Newark, N. J., on
«urgeon’s certificate of disability.

Benjamin F. Bemis; killed November 25, 1863, in battle of Mission Ridge,
Tcnn.

Lewis Bauer; transferred to company D, Fourteenth Veteran Reserve
Corps, July 31, 1863.

Jack O. Burch ; no record found.

James M. Chaffee; wounded July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.;
mustered out December 29, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

John Connor; drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C.,
by order of war department.

William Collier; drafted; died February 23, 1865, at Savannah, Ga.

William Coultrip ; wounded August 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.;
mustered out October 16, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

Thomas Carr; discharged January 1, 1863, at Washington, D. C., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

William Cowell; wounded August 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.;
transferred to company H, Seventh Veteran Reserve Corps, January 12, 1864.

John Diehlman ; drafted ; absent, sick at New York since April 30, 1865 ;
mustered out May 19, 1865, at McDougall General Hospital, New York, by or-
der of war department,

David Dennis ; drafted; absent, sick at Camp Dennison, O., since Decem-
ber 6, 1864; mustered out July 19, 1865, by order of war department.

Peter Diemer; drafted ; discharged to date July 11, 1865, by order of war
department.

Albert Drury; drafted ; discharged December 19, 1874, by order of war
department.

William Dourian ; discharged September 4, 1862, at Columbus, O., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

John H. Eschman ; drafted; discharged May 22, 1865, at Savannah, Ga.,
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Henry C. Ellis ; discharged September 8, 1862, at Camp Dennison, O., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Oscar F. Fuller; discharged January 3, 1863, at Columbus O., on surgeon’s
certificate of disability.

Wesley C. Fay; transferred to company C, Veteran Reserve Corps, May
20, 1864.

William A. Gibson ; mustered out with company July 11, 1864.

Richard Green; drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C.
by order of war department.

isqs . . It r .no Xd ,t&8l .<?! 'M? o<

■

History of Erie County.

WilbertgL. Green; mustered in as Wilbert Gunn; wounded July 20, 1864,
in battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga.; mustered out January 14, 1865, at Colum-
bus, O., on expiration of term of service.

Joseph G. Hamilton ; drafted ; absent, sick since April 28, 1865; mustered
out May 19, 1865, at General Hospital, New York, by order of war depart-
ment.

Jacob Hammond; substitute; mustered out June 2, 1865, at Camp Den-
nison, O., by order of war department.

John J. Hankins ; drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D*

C. , by order of war department.

James M. Hoffman; drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington,

D. C., by order of war department.

Henry C. Hill ; discharged May 29, 1865, at De Camp Hospital, New York,
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Henry C. Hess ; wounded May 2, 1863, battle of Chancellorsville, Va. ;
mustered out June 8, 1865, at Cleveland, O., on surgeon’s certificate of disa-
bility ; veteran.

Henry H. Hess ; captured May 8, 1862, at battle of McDowell, Va. ; died
July 29, 1862, at Lynchburg, Va.

Sylvester Hull; killed May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.

Jay Hollister; died September 20, 1863.

Edwin H. Hollister; discharged September 3, 1862, at Baltimore, Md., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Edward G. Harris; discharged April 20, 1863, at Brooks’s Station, Va., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Thomas J. Harris; discharged January 4, 1864, at Camp Dennison, O., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

William Jarrett ; discharged May 7, 1863, at Stafford Court House, Va.,
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

George E. Jefferson; died March 10, 1862, at Grafton, Va.

David E. Jefferson ; transferred to One Hundred and First Company,
Second Battalion Veteran Reserve Corps November 28, 1863.

William Kirkman ; drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington,
D. C., by order of war department.

Barna M. Kline; mustered out September 26, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn.>
on expiration of term of service.

Bradford N. Kellogg; reduced to ranks from corporal; mustered out Octo-
ber 16, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

Michael Kavanaugh ; no record found.

Andrew Love; wounded May 15, 1S64, in battle of Resaca, Ga. ; mus-
tered out with company July II, 1865.

George Lenox, substitute; captured November 19, 1864, near Madison,
Ga. ; died January 29, 1865, in rebel prison at Andersonville, Ga.

Military History.

137

Charles H. Lockwood ; reduced to ranks from corporal ; discharged March
-9, 1863, at Brooks’s Station, Va., on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

John R. Myer ; killed July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.

John Myer; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865.

Mathias Mackin ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

Thaddeus Mackin; wounded May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga. ; mus-
tered out with company July 1 1, 1865.

John Mills ; drafted ; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C., by
order of war department.

Joseph McMorris ; drafted ; died February 4, 1865, at Savannah, Ga.

William C. McGee; substitute; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

David McGuckin ; discharged September 6, 1862, at Columbus, O., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Samuel McGuckin ; killed August 30, 1862, in battle at Bull Run, Va.

Jacob Mitchell ; killed July 3, 1863, in battle at Gettysburg, Pa.

John Noisot; drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C.,
by order of war department.

Albert Niles; captured October 30, 1864; discharged May 20, 1865, at
Columbus, O., by order of war department; veteran.

Frederick Overman; substitute; died April 6, 1865, at Geer House Gen-
eral Hospital, Wilmington, N. C.

Williston Osborn; discharged October 5, 1862, at Columbus, O., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

Cyrus M. Osier; discharged February 6, 1863, at Alexandria, Va., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

John C. Purdy; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Samuel P. Powell; drafted; discharged May 24, 1865, at DeCamp Hospi-
tal, New York, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

William M. Parks; discharged October 27, 1862, at Alexandria, Va., on
•'urgeon’s certificate of disability.

George W. Plue ; discharged September 4, 1862, at Alexandria, Va., on
lurgeon’s certificate of disability.

John P. Patterson ; died March 6, 1862, at Grafton, Va.

William E. Pollock; killed July 3, 1863, in battle at Gettysburg, Pa.

Jackson N. Pinney ; transferred to Eighty-fourth Company, Second Bat-
•a ion Veteran Reserve Corps, March 8, 1864.

Henry C. Pinney ; transferred to One Hundred and Fourteenth Company,
^‘cond Battalion Veteran Reserve Corps, December 9, 1863.

John Ruckle; drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C.,

. ^ider of war department.

Lewis Roberts ; discharged May 19, 1865, at Grant General Hospital, New
1 'rk, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

138

History of Erie County.

Lewis Ray; discharged December 3, 1862, at Philadelphia, Pa., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

William H. Robinson; discharged September 30, 1863, at Washington, D.
C., on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

George Ritz ; discharged March 10, 1863, at Brooks’s Station, Va., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

Edwin F. Russell ; transferred to company A, Thirteenth Veteran Reserve
Corps, July 11, 1863.

Anthony A. Simmons; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; vet-
eran.

James H. Stage ; wounded June 18, 1864, in battle of Marietta, Ga. ; mus-
tered out with company July n, 1865 ; veteran.

James H. Sisty ; drafted ; mustered out May 19, 1865, at Camp Dennison,
O., by order of war department.

Daniel D. Stage; died October 20, 1862, at Parkersburg, W. Va.

John Shepard ; drafted ; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C.,
by order of war department.

Charles A. Sarman ; mustered out November 11, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga., on
expiration of term of service.

Frank W. Sparks; appointed corporal ; wounded November 25,

1863, in battle of Mission Ridge, Tenn. ; reduced to ranks ; mustered

out October 19, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga., on expiration of term of service.

Henry Shemnour ; no record found ; veteran.

Stephen L. Saunders; reduced to ranks from sergeant ; wounded

August 9, 1862, in battle of Cedar Mountain, Va. ; mustered out October 16,

1864, on expiration of term of service.

Justus Squire ; reduced to ranks from wagoner; discharged October 14,
1862, at Centreville, Va.

John Sprotbury; discharged September 14, 1863, at Cleveland, O., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

Rush R. Sloan ; died March 8, 1862, at Grafton, W. Va.

Rinehart Sickinger; transferred to Ninety-third Company, Second Bat-
talion Veteran Reserve Corps, October 31, 1863.

Lemuel Smith ; transferred to company G.

John Taylor; mustered out with company July II, 1865 ; veteran.

Benjamin Tanner; wounded May 16, 1864, in battle of Marietta, Ga. ; dis-
charged July 6, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Robert Van Gorder ; killed June 21, 1864, in battle of Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Ga.

John Widner ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

Moses Waggoner; mustered out May 11, 1865, at Richmond, Va., by
order of war department.

fj I ,2q*ioJ o ns?

Military History.

139*

Jerome Welch, died July io, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., of wounds received
June 21, 1864, in battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga.

Luther A. Welch, discharged April 16, 1863, at Brooks’s Station, Va., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Jonathan Welch, sr., discharged , 1862, at Norwalk, O., on sur-

geon’s certificate of disability.

Francis A. Williams, discharged October 5, 1862, at Columbus, O., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

George W. Wright, discharged September 9, 1862, at Columbus, O., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Elihu Westfall, discharged September 16, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

John White, discharged January 29, 1863, at Washington, D. C., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

John M. Young, substitute, died April 16, 1865, at New Berne, N. C., of
wounds received March 19, 1865, in battle of Bentonville, N. C.

Roster Company E.

Recruited largely in Berlin, Vermillion and Florence townships, and partly
in Huron county:

Edwin H. Powers, captain; appointed December 20, 1861 ; wounded May

1863, battle of Chancellorsville ; transferred to company K March 3,.
1864.

Francis H. Morse, captain ; promoted to first lieutenant from second lieu-
tenant December 23, 1862; wounded May 2, 1863, at Chancellorsville; pro-
moted to captain March 19, 1864; resigned April 22, 1864.

Henry H. Moore, captain ; promoted from first lieutenant company D
June 27, 1864; resigned January 15, 1865.

James H. Gallop, captain ; promoted from first lieutenant and adjutant
A pril 24, 1865 1 mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

Albert E. Peck, first lieutenant ; appointed second lieutenant October 24,
l ; promoted to first lieutenant November 21, 1861 ; captain company H
•March 6, 1863.

Thomas W. Miller, first lieutenant; transferred from company F March 31,

1 ^4 ; appointed adjutant April I, 1864.

John H. Boss, first lieutenant; appointed first sergeant from sergeant Jan-
;Jr>' L 1864; promoted to quartermaster-sergeant April 16, 1864; first lieu-
tenant August 19, 1864; regimental quartermaster January I, 1865 ; veteran.

Hiram K. Preston, first sergeant; died June 18, 1862, at New Creek, Va.

John Cowpe, sergeant ; mustered as private; wounded August 30, 1862,

1 battle of Bull Run, Va. ; appointed first sergeant May 1, 1864; killed July

1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga. ; veteran.

140

History of Erie County.

John Bellman, sergeant ; appointed sergeant from corporal January i,
1864; first sergeant July 29, 1864; promoted first lieutenant company C
April 24, 1865 ; veteran.

Alpheus J. Peck, sergeant ; appointed sergeant from corporal July 29,
1864; first sergeant May 22, 1864; mustered out with company July II,
1865 ; veteran.

Henry W. Crosby, sergeant; died May 27, 1864, of wounds received May
16, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga. ; veteran.

Henry Heffron, sergeant; appointed corporal July 29, 1864; sergeant
May I, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Giles King, sergeant; transferred to company D, Fourteenth Veteran
Reserve Corps, July 31, 1863.

Sterling H. Post, sergeant; appointed corporal June 1, 1864; sergeant
November 1, 1864; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Jedediah D. Smith, sergeant; wounded May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca,
Ga.; discharged July II, 1865, at Columbus, O., on surgeon’s certificate of
-disability.

John W. Saltman, sergeant ; wounded August 30, 1862, at Bull Run, Va. ;
appointed corporal January I, 1864; sergeant June I, 1864; wounded June
20, 1864, at Cassville, Ga. ; discharged June 6, 1865, for wounds; veteran.

John Bowers, corporal ; wounded March 19, 1865, at Averysboro, N. C.;
discharged June 17, 1865, at Columbus, O.; veteran.

John L. Flaharty, corporal ; mustered out December 31, 1864, on expira-
tion of term.

George W. Foote, corporal ; discharged July 9, 1863, for wounds received
in action.

Ezra Lee, corporal; mustered out December 20, 1864, at expiration of
term of service.

George H. Motley, corporal; appointed corporal November 1, 1864; mus-
tered out with company July n, 1865 ; veteran.

Anson Pease, corporal; appointed corporal January 1, 1865; mustered
out with company July I 1, 1865 I veteran.

Chauncey T. Peck, corporal; appointed corporal April 30, 1863; killed
May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.

Ira O. Peck, corporal ; discharged April 16, 1863, at Brooks’s Station, Va.,
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Myron B. Runyan, corporal; appointed November I, 1864; discharged
June 26, 1865, for wounds received March 19, 1865, at Bentonville, N. C. ;
veteran.

Edward Sharp, corporal ; appointed corporal June 1, 1864; captured Oc-
tober 28, 1864, near Atlanta; perished by explosion of steamer Sultana , on
Mississippi River, near Memphis, Tenn., April 27, 1865 ; veteran.

Military History.

141

John West, corporal; discharged July 23, 1863 on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

John F. Wheaton, corporal; discharged September 22, 1862, on surgeon’s
certificate of disability.

John Altman, musician; mustered out December 31, 1864, at expiration
of term of service.

Privates.

Henry Baxtine, mustered out with company July II, 1865 ; veteran.

Jira Burt, no record found.

Joel Baker, drafted, mustered out June 5, 1865, by order of war depart-
ment.

Frederick Bellman, mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war departs
ment.

Lewis Bellman, died July 11, 1862, at Cumberland, Md.

Peter Balser, drafted, died March 23, 1865, at David’s Island, N. Y.

Thomas Banning, discharged May 15, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Sewell C. Briggs, discharged November 22, 1863, f°r wounds received
August 30, 1862, at Bull Run.

Samuel Briggs, no record found.

Thomas E. Buckley, discharged March 3, 1863, for wounds received Au-
gust 30, 1862, at Bull Run.

Erastas Barrett, died April 5, 1862, at Grafton, W. Va.

Thomas Brumby, died August 23, 1863, of wounds received at Chancel-
lorsville, Va.

Sefen Brabert, no record found.

Robert G. Courtney, drafted, wounded March 19, 1865, at Averysboro ;
mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war department.

William Callen, captured October 30, 1864; exchanged; discharged June
-0, 1865, by order of war department.

Michael S. Coppman, mustered out June 15. 1865, by order of war de-
partment

Henry Chulip, drafted, mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war de-
partment.

William E. Childs, promoted to hospital steward November 21, 1861.

John Coppins, died July 28, 1864, at Chattanooga (Tenn.) Hospital ; vet-
eran.

William Clinton, discharged November 21, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
r'f disability.

William F. Crapo, discharged October 13, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

142

History of Erie County.

William Donelson, substitute, mustered out July 7, 1865, by order of war
department.

Dewitt C. Dolph, drafted, mustered out June 19, 1865, by order of war de-
partment.

Jerome Degarmer, drafted, mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war
department

James Doughty, died March 22, 1862, at Grafton, W. Va.

William Delaney, died February 14, 1863, at Washington, D. C.

John Feififer, substitute ; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865.

Wallace R. Bord, drafted ; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war de-
partment

Marcus Farnsworth, died September 1, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn.

Burton Farnsworth, discharged September 13, 1862, on surgeon’s certifi-
cate of disability.

Henry Fox, drafted ; died December 25, 1864, at Savannah, Ga.

John Ferguson, discharged February 14, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

David Gates, died March 21, 1865, of wounds received March 19, 1865, in
battle of Bentonville, N. C.; veteran.

Gilbert Gordon, captured November 18, 1864, near Atlanta, Ga., while for-
aging; mustered out May 24, 1865, on expiration of term of service.

David Golispie, drafted; died May 26, 1865, at David’s Island, N. Y.

Edwin T. Hood, wounded July 20, 1864, in the battle of Peach Tree Creek.
Ga.; discharged February 17, 1865; veteran.

Robert Hamilton, drafted; mustered out May 30, 1865, by order of war
department.

John Horner, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war depart-
ment.

William Harpman, mustered out December 31, 1864, on expiration of ter"
*of service.

Sidney Hooper, discharged April 10, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of dh*
ability.

George Howarth, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry, November 1
1862.

Edward Hotchkins, discharged December 26, 1862, on surgeon’s certified
of disability.

Michael Hennessey, wounded May 2, 1863, »n battle of Chancellorsvi’.
transferred to Seventy-eighth company, Second Battalion Veteran Reser
Corps October 19, 1863.

William Harris, died December 7, 1862, at Fairfax Station, Va.

Charles Hart, died February 16, 1S63, at Washington, D. C.

Hiram K. Horr, mustered in as William K. Horr.

—

Military History.

i43

Joseph H. Hewett, discharged .

William Jones, mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Ira S. Lump, wounded May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; transferred
to company F, Sixteenth Veteran Reserve Corps, January 23, 1865 ; veteran.

John A. James, wounded May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; mustered
out with company July II, 1865.

Melville Jameson, wounded June 21, 1864, near Cassville, Ga.; discharged
November 21, 1864, at Camp Dennison, O.; veteran.

Francis L. Jupp, discharged November 10, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability..

Henry C. King, discharged October 19, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Henry Klour, discharged August 29, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

James H. Lowry, died August 3, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga.

Daniel Leiser, substitute ; wounded March 14, 1865, at Silver Creek, Ga.,
and left the field ; no further record found.

James H. Larkins, wounded June 20, 1864, in action at Cassville, Ga.;
mustered out on expiration of term of service.

Mahlon T. Lambert, promoted to sergeant-major October 25, 1861.

Richard Maxwell, substitute ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

James McBeth, substitute ; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865.

Alonzo McCord, discharged March 14, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Thomas Messer, drafted; mustered out May 30, 1865, by order of war
department.

Albert Myers, drafted ; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war depart-
ment.

George W. Minus, drowned April 14, 1862, at Moorhead, Va., while on
duty.

Rufus Morton, discharged June 9, 1863.

Thomas Norris, substitute; mustered out June 2, 1865, by order of war
department.

James Nelson, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war de-
partment.

Rufus Norton, discharged June 9, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of disa-
bility.

Henry Opher, jr., discharged July 2, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

Henry Opher, killed July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Pa.

George W. Pratt, mustered out with company July II, 1865.

benjamin Prouts, wounded February 13, 1865; mustered out June 21, 1865,

David’s Island, N. Y., by order of war department; veteran.

■

1 44

History of Erie County.

Benjamin Pease, captured October 30, 1864; exchanged; mustered out
June 20, 1865 ; veteran.

George W. Phillips, drafted ; mustered out June 26, 1865, by order of war
department.

Cyrenius A. Peck, discharged September 12, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Ambrose Rice, reduced to ranks from sergeant; wounded August 30, 1862,
in battle of Bull Run; appointed corporal November 1, 1864; reduced to
ranks January 1, 1865 ; mustered out with company; veteran.

Benjamin C. Robinson, wounded May 15, 1864, at Resaca, Ga.; transferred
to company C, Sixth Veteran Reserve Corps, March 13, 1865 ; veteran.

Henry Riper, mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

Luther Roberts, drafted ; mustered out July 7, 1865, by order of war de-
partment.

George Rumsey, substitute; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

Alex. M. Richards, discharged November 16, 1S62, on surgeon’s certificate
of disability.

Robert R. Scott, wounded May 12, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville ; dis-
charged June 7, 1865, for wounds received in action August 3,1864; veteran.

Demsey Sixton, drafted ; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war de-
partment.

Dean Swift, died November 29, 1863, in hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn.

William E. Sherart, mustered out December 31, 1864, on expiration of term
of service.

William F. Smith, reduced to ranks from corporal ; mustered out Decem-
ber 31, 1864.

Ambrose D. Smith, discharged July 12, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate 0!
disability.

Jonathan Smith, wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville; trans-
ferred to One Hundred and Twenty-fifth company, Second Battalion Veteran
Reserve Corps, December 18, 1863.

Horace Smith, died February 26, 1862, at Grafton, W. Va.

Fred. J. Slattery, discharged November 5, 1862, by order of war depart-
ment.

Martin Van Syckle, mustered out December 31, 1864, on expiration of term
of service.

Allen E. Winters, captured March 5, 1865, while foraging ; mustered out
June 21, 1865, at Camp Chase, by order of war department.

William Whistler, substitute; mustered out with company July II, 1S65

Frank Wyatt, wounded March 16, 1865, at Averysboro ; mustered out Jun-
26, 1865, at Camp Dennison, by order of war department.

Joseph H. Williams, drafted ; mustered out May 24, 1865, by order of
department.

Military History.

145

David S. Williams, discharged March 19, 1863, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

John L. Wilson, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war de-
partment.

Henry Westmire, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war de-
partment.

Albert E. Withers, transferred to company F, Seventeenth Veteran Reserve
Corps, October 31, 1863.

George Winklepleck, discharged November 16, 1862, on surgeon’s certifi-
cate of disability.

John Winklepleck, mustered out June 19, 1865, by order of war depart-
ment ; veteran.

Roster Company H.

This company was recruited in Margaretta and the townships south of that*
*nd partly from Huron county.

James M. Stevens, captain; appointed captain October 16, 1861 ; promoted
to major March 4, 1864.

Albert E. Peck, captain; promoted from first lieutenant company E, March
6, 1863 ; killed May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.

John R. Lowe, captain ; promoted from first lieutenant company C, June
27, 1864; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865.

Randolph Eastman, first lieutenant ; appointed first lieutenant October 24,
1861 ; resigned December 23, 1862.

Hartwell Osborn, first lieutenant ; promoted from second lieutenant com-
pany I, February 12, 1863 ; to captain company B August 4, 1863.

Russel H. Bever, first lieutenant; appointed sergeant from corporal Sep-
tember 19, 1862; first sergeant October 3, 1862; promoted second lieutenant
March 16, 1863; first lieutenant March 19, 1864; captain company A Novem-
ber 3, 1864.

William E. Childs, first lieutenant ; promoted from hospital steward Janu-
ar>' 18, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

Robert W. Pool, second lieutenant; mustered as private ; promoted to sec-
ond lieutenant October 24, 1861 ; to first lieutenant and adjutant, October 3,
1862.

Henry W. Ragan, second lieutenant ; promoted from sergeant October 3,
*862; resigned March 24, 1863.

Albert H. Hubbard, first sergeant; discharged May 25, 1862, at Franklin,
^ «t, on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Lewis Peck, first sergeant ; appointed sergeant from corporal October 3,
*862; first sergeant May 2, 1863; promoted to quartermaster-sergeant Sep-
tember 1, 1864; veteran.

146

History of Erie County.

John Burket, first sergeant; appointed corporal October 3, 1862; sergeant
June 9, 1863; first sergeant September 1, 1864; promoted to commissary-ser-
geant Tune 26, 1865 ; veteran.

Sidney C. Brown, sergeant; appointed corporal August 1, 1863; sergeant
June I, 1864; mustered out with company July 11, 1865; veteran.

Moses Pugh, first sergeant; wounded August 30, 1S62, in battle of Bull
Run, Va.; appointed corporal November 1, 1862; sergeant September 1, 1864;
first sergeant June 26, 1865; mustered out with company July II, 1865;
veteran.

Horace M. Chamberlin, sergeant; appointed corporal September 1, 1864;
sergeant June 26, 1865 ; mustered out with compan}' July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

Jesse Dewers, sergeant; captured September 15, 1863, at Bristow, Va.;
mustered out October 23, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

Arthur A. Graham, sergeant ; transferred to company B, Twenty-first Vet-
eran Reserve Corps, September 16, 1S63.

Edwin Holmes, sergeant; discharged October 19, 1862, at Columbus, 0.,
on surgeon's certificate of disability.

Clark M. Kline, sergeant; appointed corporal June 1, 1864; sergeant, De-
cember 31, 1864; discharged June 15, 1865, at Fairfax Seminary, Va.; vet-
eran.

Eri Misnard, sergeant ; appointed corporal October 3, 1862 ; sergeant May
I, 1863; wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.; killed June
22, 1864, in battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga.; veteran.

Alexander M. Ross, sergeant ; appointed from corporal ; wounded August
30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.; transferred to company D, Fourteenth
Veteran Reserve Corps, July 31, 1863.

William R. Little, sergeant ; appointed corporal October 3, 1862; sergeant
August 1, 1863 » mustered out December 29, 1864, on expiration of term ot
service.

Adam Beer, corporal; appointed corporal June 22, 1864; wounded March
19, 1865, in battle of Bentonville, N. C.; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Wash-
ington, D. C., by order of war department.

William B. Conger, corporal ; discharged September 19, 1862, at Annapo-
lis, Md.

John B. Conger, corporal ; killed August 30, 1 862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.

Cyrenus Dejean, corporal; discharged January 19, 1864, for wounds re-
ceived May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.; leg amputated.

Addison, Golden, corporal;, wounded July 20, 1864, in battle of Peach Tree
Creek, Ga.; appointed corporal June 26, 1865 ; mustered out with compar;
July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Peter H. Keifter, corporal; appointed corporal December 31, 1864; mus-
tered out with company, July 1 1, 1865.

■

Military History.

i47

William W. Lawton, corporal; appointed corporal March 1, r86$ ; mus-
tered out with company July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

Jacob Myer, corporal, wounded May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.;
appointed corporal June 9, 1865 ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ;
veteran.

William Negele, corporal ; appointed corporal ; wounded August

30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.; discharged August 27, 1863, at Colum-
bus, O.

Lewis Perkey, corporal; appointed corporal May 1, 1863; killed May 15,
1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; veteran.

George W. Ragon, corporal; wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancell-
orsville, Va.; August 27, 1864, at Turners Ferry, Ga.; appointed corporal Jan-
uary 1, 1865 ; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C., by order of
war department.

Jeremiah Ricker, corporal, discharged August 19, 1862, at Fairfax Semi-
nary, Va., on surgeon's certificate of disability.

Dennis Spurrier, corporal; appointed corporal May 25, 1862; wounded Au-
gust30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.; July 2, 1 863, in battle of Gettysburg,
Pa.; appointed sergeant January 1, 1864 ; wounded August 17, 1864, near At-
lanta, Ga.; died September 2, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn.; veteran.

Horace R. Starks, corporal; appointed corporal June 9, 1865 ; mustered
out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Edward Tallman, corporal; discharged August 29, 1862, at Cumberland,
Md., on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Charles L. Wilson, corporal; appointed corporal October 3, 1862; wound-
ed July 20, 1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga.; mustered out with com-
pany July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Clarence Linn, musician; discharged March 18, 1864, at Lookout Valley,
Tenn., on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Privates.

Charles Au, substitute ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

John M. Armstrong, mustered out October 23, 1864, on expiration of term
of service.

Jeremiah G. Armstrong, mustered out October 23, 1864, on expiration of
term of service.

Zenas W. Achlefeld, mustered out October 23, on expiration of term of
service.

William Ainesly ; discharged February 27, 1863, at Columbus, O., on sur-
£<-*on’s certificate of disability.

Charles H. Borefif, mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

James P. Boston, wounded August 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.;
Mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

143

History of Erie County.

George W. Button, mustered out with company July II, 1865; veteran.

Olcott K. Brown, wounded May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; mus-
tered out June 9, 1865, at Camp Dennison, O., by order of war department

Martin Beery, mustered ont with company July 11, 1865.

Anton Bolsinger, drafted; mustered out with company July II, 1866.

Henry C. Beck, drafted; discharged March 25, 1863, at Brooks’s Station,
Va., on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Andrew S. Baker, discharged August 5, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeon’s
certificate of disability.

Edgar W. Barker, wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.:
transferred to company K, Fifth Veteran Reserve Corps, December 17, 1863.

John L. Butz, died July 13, 1862, at Frederick City, Md.

Joseph E. Case, killed August 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.

Augustus B. Case, killed May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; veteran.

James Cram, died May 29, 1864, in hospital at Dallas, Ga.

John Cain, substitute.

Marion G. Cross, mustered out October 23, 1864, on expiration of term of
service.

John Clark, discharged November 13, 1862, at Hopewell Gap, Va.

Nathan Cadwalader, discharged October 20, 1862.

Frederick A. Crum, killed June 26, 1864, in Kenesaw Mountain, Ga.; vet-
eran.

Robert J. Dutcher, captured December 9, 1864, near Savannah, Ga.; mus-
tered out with company July II, 1865 ; veteran.

Benjamin Dunlap, wounded July 20, 1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek,
G*.; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Peter Dill, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war department

Parker Dejian, discharged November 13, 1862, at Washington, D. C., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Adam Ditto, killed March 12, 1865, near Fayetteville, N. C.; veteran.

John H. W. Dildine, wounded March 19, 1865, in battle of Bentonville.
N. C.; died May 22, 1865, at Portsmouth Grove, R. I.; veteran.

Charles D. Dudrow, wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville.
Va.; mustered out October 23, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

Lewis D. Dudrow, died November 4, 1863, at Cumberland, Md.

Jacob Fronce, wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va..
captured March 5, 1865, at Wadesboro, N. C.; mustered out June 23, 1865, at
Camp Chase, O., by order of war department ; veteran.

Thomas B. Fox, wounded June 19, 1864, in battle of Kenesaw Mountain
mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

Guy S. Frazey, substitute on detached service as telegraph operator at Chat-
tanooga, Tenn.; mustered out to date July 11, 1865, by order of war depart-
ment

..... ■ ...

Military History.

149

Frederick Fleig, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, by order of war de-
partment.

Abraham D. Falkner, killed May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.

Seth Golden, wounded July 20, 1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek ; dis-
charged May 20, 1865, by order of war department.

Christian Guarlach, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington,
D. C., by order of war department.

James W. Griffith, transferred to One Hundred and Forty-eighth Veteran
Reserve Corps, January 22, 1864.

Ebenezer B. Green, wounded May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga.; died
July 27, 1864, at Big Shanty, Ga.; veteran.

William H. Gittenger, wounded May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville,
Va.; mustered out October 23, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

Boody J. Gaines, died March 8, 1862, at Grafton, W. Va.

James C. Holt, discharged October 20, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of dis-
ability.

George Harkcom, mustered out June 19, 1865, at Camp Chase, O., by or-
der of war department.

Joseph Holdeman, drafted; wounded March 19, 1865, in battle of Benton-
ville, N. C. ; absent, sick in hospital ; mustered out July 1 1, 1865, by order of
war department.

John Hutchinson, drafted ; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D.
C., by order of war department.

Asa Hoppas, wounded May 25, 1864, in battle of Dallas, Ga. ; discharged
May 24, 1865, at Trippler Hospital, by order of war department.

Clay Holtz, captured May 27, 1862, at Franklyn, Va. ; mustered out Oc-
tober 27, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

Edward Hinchy, killed May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.

Thomas Jeffers, substitute ; absent, sick at Bentonville, N. C. ; mustered
out to date July 1 1, 1865, by order of war department.

Albert Johnson, drafted; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washington, D.
C., by order of war department.

Edwin E. Jones, discharged September 22, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

John L. King, mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Samuel Kuhlman, killed May 2, 1863, *n battle of Chancellorsville, Va.

Albion F. Lee, mustered out July 1 1, 1865.

Martin Lindley, discharged March 21, 1865, at hospital, Columbus, O., by
order of war department.

James Linn, died June 27, 1864, in hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn.

Isaac Livensparger, wounded and captured May 2, 1863, in battle at Chan-
CcHorsville, Va. ; discharged April 30, 1864.

History of Erie County.

150

Philip Livensparger, killed May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.

Peter H. Livengood, discharged October 20, 1862, at Cumberland, Md.,
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Edwin S. Morse, appointed corporal October 3, 1863 ; wounded May 2,
1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va. ; returned to ranks March 1, 1863 ; mus-
tered out July 19, 1864, at Camp Cleveland, by order of war department.

John McConahy, wounded July 20, 1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek,
Ga. ; mustered out with company July 1 1, 1865 ; veteran.

John B. Martin, drafted ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

Lewis Mesnard, wounded August 9, 1862, at Freeman’s Ford, Va. ; mus-
tered out June 22, 1865, by order of war department.

John W. Miller, wounded March 19, 1865, in battle of Bentonville, N. C. ;
mustered out June 16, 1865, by order of war department.

John McLaughlin, captured July 2, 1863, at battle of Gettysburg, Pa. ; mus-
tered out October 23, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

Oliver Meiroy, captured September 15, 1863, at Bristow, Va. ; mustered
out October 23, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

Jackson V. Perdew, mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

Van Buren Palmer, captured July 17, 1863, at Aldie, Va., mustered out
October 23, 1864, on expiration of term of service.

Benjamin F. Perkey, discharged January 26, 1863, at New York, on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

John Plotts, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps March 1, 1864; mustered
out January 26, 1866, at Columbus, to date August 21, 1864.

George W. Price, died December 18, 1 862, at Baltimore, Md.

Isaac Reed, wounded July 20, 1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga. ;
mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Frank Ray, wounded July 20, 1864, in battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga., ;
discharged March 16, 1865, at Fort Schuyler, N. Y.

Alfred G. Rumur, died May 18, 1863, at Brooks’s Station, Va., of wounds
received May 8, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.

Abner Royce, discharged October 7, 1862, at Columbus, O., on surgeons
certificate of disability.

Robert P. Ralston, died July 11, 1862, at Sperryville, Va.

Lawrence Rumbacher, drafted ; mustered out June 9, 1865, at Washing-
ton, D. C., by order of war department.

Corwin K. Sites, mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Samuel Stone, wounded and captured May 2, 1863, at battle of Chancellors-
ville, Va. ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865 ; veteran.

Michael Schifiler, mustered out with company July 11, 1865; veteran.

Reed A. Stacks, wounded July 12, 1864, in action at Chattahoochie River,
Ga. ; mustered out with company July 11, 1865.

Military History.

Joseph Soncraut, drafted ; mustered out May 31, 1865, at David’s Island,
N. Y.f by order of war department.

Jonathan Shell, wounded June 15, 1864, in battle of Kenesaw Mountain;
mustered out August 11, 1865, by order of war department ; veteran.

George W. Steward, died July 14, 1863, of wounds received July 4, 1863,
in battle of Gettysburg, Penn.

Thomas T. Spafford, died March 3, 1863, at Brooks’s Station, Va.

William Starkey, killed July 3, 1863, in battle of Gettysburg, Penn.

John A. Seawalt, killed August 27, 1864, at Turner’s Ferry, Ga.

Elias Saddoris, drafted; died Feb. 28, 1865, in hospital at Savannah, Ga.

Jesse Sneath, discharged May 23, 1862, at Franklin, Va.

George W. Stull, transferred to company H, Seventh Veteran Reserve Corps,
January 12, ^864.

Henry H. Trowbridge, died July 30, 1862, at Baltimore, Md.

William H. Tallman, killed August, 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va.

Benjamin Wagner, drafted; mustered out with company, July 11, 1865.

John A. Wilson, discharged March 25, 1863, at Brooks’s Station, Va., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Barney Weigle, wounded August 30, 1862, in battle of battle of Bull Run ;
discharged January 9, 1863.

Fernando West, discharged December 26, 1862, on surgeon’s certificate of
disability.

Enoch B. Watson, wounded August 30, 1862, in battle of Bull Run, Va. ;
May 15, 1864, in battle of Resaca, Ga. ; transferred to company I, Seventeenth
Veteran Reserve Corps August 3, 1864; veteran.

George M. Wagar, transferred to Sixteenth company, Second Battalion,
Veteran Reserve Corps, August 5, 1863.

John B. York, killed May 2, 1863, in battle of Chancellorsville, Va.

THE SIXTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.

This regiment formed a portion of the Sherman Brigade. It was organized
and recruited at Mansfield during the summer and fall months of 1S61. In
several companies of the regiment were men from Erie county, although no
considerable portion of either company was from here.

At Nashville, Tenn., the Sixty-fourth joined the national forces. Its first
lively battle was fought at Pittsburg Landing, on the 7th of April, and even
here but a part of the regiment was engaged. General Garfield commanded
the brigade. It participated in the events just preceding and in the battle of
C°rinth, and afterward built Fort Harker, at Stevenson. It joined in pursuit
of Bragg in August, and was repulsed in a battle with the rebels at Munfords-
ville. The next important battle was at Stone River, where the regiment was
attached to Crittenden’s Corps and Wood’s Division. In this fight it was more

History of Erie County.

152

or less closely engaged for three days and lost about seventy-five men in killed
and wounded. For some days preceding Chickamauga it was skirmishing fre-
quently, and in the main battle was closely engaged during the whole day on
the 19th of September. It here lost over one hundred in killed, wounded and
missing. On November 25th it was engaged at Mission Ridge with but slight
loss. In January, 1864, about three-fourths of the regiment veteranized, after
which the men returned home on a thirty-days’ furlough.

The regiment joined Sherman’s army and participated in the charge at
Rocky Face Ridge. Loss, twenty-one killed and sixty five wounded. Next
came Resaca, on June 14th, and thereafter daily skirmishing until the 20th of
July, at which time it took part in the fight at Peach Tree Creek. Until the
latter part of August the regiment was almost daily under fire. It next en-
gaged at Jonesboro, September 3d, and then at Lovejoy Station, on the 6th.

After the fall of Atlanta the Sixty- fourth encamped in the city, but two
weeks later, with the Fourth Corps, joined in pursuit of Hood’s forces as far
as Chattanooga. Here four hundred recruits were added to the regiment and
the veterans were paid off. After following Hood about fifty miles south of
Chattanooga the regiment returned to that point, after which it was sent to
Athens, Ala., and thence marched to Pulaski and Spring Hill, at which latter
place it had another sharp fight. From Spring Hill the regiment marched to
Franklin, Tenn., and engaged in the battle there with heavy loss. After that
it returned to Nashville and was engaged in sorties and battles before that city.
It then pursued Hood again and finally went into camp at Huntsville, but soon
left and moved to Decatur and Athens, remaining about two months and then
returned to Huntsville; thence into East Tennessee and soon after returned to
Nashville. From the latter place it was sent to New Orleans where many died
from sickness. About the middle of September, 1865, the Sixty-fourth went
to Victoria, Texas, where on the 3d of December following the men were paid
off, discharged and sent home.

THE SIXTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.

The Sixty-fifth was one of the regiments raised at Mansfield, and known as
the “ Sherman brigade,” having been recruited mainly through the efforts of
Hon. John Sherman. It was organized at Camp Buckingham, and was mus-
tered into service on the first of December, 1861.

Erie county was represented in this regiment by about thirty-five men,
nearly all of whom were members of Company G, while a few, and only a few,
were scattered through other companies.

The army life and experiences of this regiment, according to Whitelaw
Reid, in his “ Ohio in the War,” were as follows: “The regiment left Mans-
field for active duty, on the iSth of December, and moved, by way of Cincin-
nati, to Louisville, Ky., where it remained for a week, and then marched to

Military History.

i55

(Jamp Morton, arriving there on the 30th. The Sixty- fifth was assigned to a
origade composed of the Sixty-fourth and Sixty-fifth Ohio, the Fifty-first In-
i.ana and Ninth Kentucky. Colonel Harker, of the Sixty- fifth, commanded
the brigade, and General Wood the division.”

On January, 13, 1862, the brigade broke camp and proceeded to Hall’s
Gap, arriving there on the 24th, when it was at once placed at work to cordu-
roy the roads. On account of the swampy, miasmatic nature of the country
many of the men fell sick and died. On February 7 the regiment left this
place and marched to Lebanon, where by rail it proceeded to Green River,
and remained in camp at Munfordsville, until the 23d, after which it went to
Nashville, arriving there on March 13, tired and worn from having marched
over obstructed roads, and carrying baggage over places impassable for the
loaded wagons.

In the latter part of March, with General Garfield commanding the brigade,
the regiment again took up the line of march by way of Columbia to Savan-
nah, and thence by steamer to Pittsburg Landing, at which place a fight was
in progress, but the Sixty-fifth was not engaged though on the field. Follow-
ing close upon this event came the siege of Corinth, in which the regiment
participated, being under fire much of the time and meeting with some loss.
After the enemy evacuated the place the regiment moved to Bridgeport, and
was assigned to guard duty along the Tennessee River, until the latter part of
August, when it joined in pursuit of Bragg’s retreating forces, and finally
reached Perryville late in September. A week later it marched to Nashville.
At this place the army was reorganized, the Sixty-fifth holding its place in the
bngade, with Colonel Harker in command. On December 26 the brigade
moved on the Nashville Pike, fighting its way into Lavergne, across Stewart’s
Creek, and up to Stone River. On the 29th, at night, the regiment forded
the river, armpit deep, in the face of a galling fire, and gained the opposite
bank, where they formed and engaged the enemy; but supporting troops fail-
in& to arrive they were forced to retire, which was done in good order. The
men lay on their arms all night and early the next day moved to the support
°f McCook’ s corps, which was having much the worst of it in a fierce battle.
^ or eight long hours the regiment was engaged before the enemy was finally
Put to rout. The loss of the Sixty- fifth in this engagement amounted to nearly
0ne hundred and seventy- five killed, wounded and missing. Forty officers and
men were killed. Stone River was the most destructive battle in which the
regiment participated.

At Chickamauga, on September 19 and 20, the regiment was again en-
*a'ged, but on the last named day retreated to Mission Ridge, thence fell back
x0 Chattanooga, at which latter place, on November 23-25, it was again closely
engaged and lost heavily, there being in killed, wounded and missing no less
^an one hundred men. Added to this was the loss in the battle at Mission
tvJdge, on the 25th, in which thirteen were killed and two wounded.

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History of Erie County.

The regiment next participated in the Atlanta campaign, and was engaged
at Rocky Face Ridge, May 5-9, 1864; at Adairsville, May 17, 18; at New
Hope Church, May 28 ; at Kenesavv Mountain, from June 9 to 30, losing ten
in killed and wounded ; at Big Shanty, on June 28 ; at Peach Tree Creek, with
a loss of four killed, one wounded and one missing. During the siege of
Atlanta the regiment was also engaged. It participated in the flanking move*
ment to Jonesboro, and from there advanced to Lovejoy. After the rebels
evacuated Atlanta the regiment returned to that place and went into camp.
Three weeks later it joined in pursuit of Hood. It marched to Mission Ridge,
and thence, by rail, went to Alpine, Ga. After four days of rest it again
moved to Chattanooga, and did guard duty along a line of railroad near the
Tennessee River. On November 29 it participated in the battle at Spring-
field, losing forty-one in killed, wounded, captured and missing. Again,
on the 30th, at Franklin, it was engaged with a loss of forty-two men.

On the 3d of October the non -veterans were discharged and sent home.
This left the Sixty-fifth with only one hundred and thirty available men. The
last battle of the regiment was fought at Nashville, Tenn., on the 1 5th and 1 6th
of December, 1864, and after following the defeated rebels for some time, re-
turned to the city and went into camp.

In June, 1865, the regiment moved from Nashville to Johnsonville, where
it embarked on transports for New Orleans. It remained here for several
weeks, and was then ordered to Texas, where it performed garrison duty at
San Antonio until December, 1865, when it was ordered to Camp Chase, Q.,
and was mustered out, paid and discharged, on the 2d day of January, 1866.

Roster — Fie7d and Staff.

Charles G. Harker, colonel; promoted to brigadier-general September 20;
1863 ; killed June 27, 1864, in battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga.

Daniel French, lieutenant-colonel; resigned August 8, 1862.

Alexander Cassil, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted from captain company A,
August 8, 1862; resigned March 22, 1863.

Horatio N: Whitbeck, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted to major from captain
company E, October 7, 1862; wounded December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone
River; promoted to lieutenant-colonel March 22,1863; wounded September
19, 1863, in battle of Chickamauga, and June 27, 1864, in battle of Kenesaw
Mountain; discharged August 16, 1S65, for wounds.

Orlow Smith, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted to major from captain company
G, September 22, 1863; to lieutenant-colonel, October 10, 1865; to colonel,
November 24, 1865, but not mustered; mustered out November 30, 1S65.

James Olds, major; resigned October 7, 1862.

Samuel C. Brown, major ; promoted from captain company H, March 22.
1863 ; died September 22, 1S63, from wounds received in battle of Chicka-
mauga, Ga.

Military History.

i5 5

Brewer Smith, adjutant; appointed sergeant-major from corporal company
G; promoted to second lieutentant January I, 1863, and acting adjutant
March I, 1863; to first lieutenant and adjutant March 23, 1863; to captain
company K, August 29, 1864.

John C. Zollinger, regimental quartermaster; appointed from first lieutenant
company K, February 13, 1865 ; mustered out November 30, 1865 5 veteran.

Roster Compcuiy G. — Erie County Men.

Clark S. Gregg, first lieutenant ; appointed November 26, 1861 ; died May

11, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo., of disease.

Dolsen Van Kirk, second lieutenant; promoted from first sergeant August

12, 1862 ; killed December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tenn.

Patrick R. Nohilly, first sergeant; appointed corporal June 12, 1862 ; ser-
geant, November 1, 1863 ; first sergeant, July 31, 1864; killed November 29,.
1S64, in battle of Spring Hill, Tenn. ; veteran.

John C. Zollinger, sergeant; promoted to quartermaster-sergeant July 13,.
1864; veteran.

William Clark, sergeant ; mustered as private; appointed sergeant; mus-
tered out December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., on expiration of term of
service.

August Keimlin, sergeant; appointed from corporal; transferred to com-
pany F, seventh regiment Veteran Reserve Corps.

Adam Apple, sergeant; appointed corporal November 1, 1864; wounded
November 29, 1864, in battle of Spring Hill, Tenn. ; appointed sergeant May
I, 1865 5 mustered out November 30, 1865 ; veteran.

John V. Nicholai, sergeant ; mustered as private ; appointed sergeant ;
transferred to company B, Seventh Veteran Reserve Corps, September 1, 1S63.

Brewer Smith, corporal; appointed corporal November 11, 1861; pro-
moted to sergeant-major June 1, 1862.

H. C. Jennings, corporal; discharged January 26, 1863, at Murfreesboro,.
Tenn., on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Privates.

John Boyd, transferred to forty-third company second battalion Veteran
Reserve Corps, August 31, 1863.

John Brown, veteran ; no other record found.

Christian F. E. Blaich, discharged May 20, 1863, at Murfreesboro, Tenn.,.
on surgeon’s certificate of disability.

Martin Casey, died October 22, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn.

John C. Ernst, discharged August 18, 1864, at Camp Dennison, O., on
burgeon’s certificate of disability.

John Geideman, mustered out December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., on
expiration of term of service.

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History of Erie County.

Theodore Geesey, died October I, 1862, at Louisville, Ky.

Fred. Koegle, died October 4. 1862, at Louisville, Ky.

Henry Leidkie, discharged November 1, 1864, at Camp Dennison, O., on
surgeon’s certificate of disability.

James Murty, no record found.

John Murphy, wounded December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River.
Tenn.; wounded December 15. 1864, in battle of Nashville, Tenn. ; discharged
to date November 25, 1865, at Columbus, O. ; veteran.

John Malaney, discharged January 18, 1865, by order of war department.

Michael Nash, mustered out December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., on
-expiration of term of service.

James Nolan, died January 30, 1863, at Nashville, Tenn., of wounds re-
ceived December 31, 1862, in battle of Stone River, Tenn.

George W. Philo, died April 30, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn.

Peter Sharp, transferred to third company second battalion Veteran Re-
serve Corps, April 29, 1864.

John Sullivan, mustered out December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn., on
expiration of term of service.

J. C. Weidemier, discharged June 10, 1862, at Louisville, Ky., on surgeon’s
certificate of disability.

William Walsh, discharged April 6, 1863, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., on sur-
geon’s certificate of disability.

THE SEVENTY- SECOND INFANTRY.

This regiment in the main was recruited in the county of Sandusky, Com-
panies A, B, C, D, E, F, H, and I, being raised almost wholly in that county,
while Company G, and a very small contingent of Companies Hand A were re-
cruited in Erie county. Company K was principally from Medina county, and
a few men in C and E were from Wood county.

The regiment, about nine hundred and fifty strong, left Fremont for Camp
Chase, on the 24th of January, 1862. In February it was ordered to General
Sherman’s army and reported at Paducah, where it was brigaded with the For-
ty-eighth and Seventieth Ohio Regiments, and placed under command of Col-
onel Buckland.

The first regular engagement in which the Seventy-second took part was at
Pittsburg Landing, and it was not until the third day’s proceedings at that place
that it became fully initiated in army service. On this day, the 6th of Apri'.
1862, the brigade to which our regiment belonged withstood three successive
attacks from the enemy, and firmly held their position until General Sherman
ordered it to retire. The next day it was again engaged and took part in the
■charge that routed the rebels and drove them from the field. This battle cost
the regiment one hundred and thirty- five men in killed, wounded and missing

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Military History.

157

During the service of the regiment down to and after the siege of Corinth,
the ranks were fearfully reduced by disease, and nearly as many were lost or
nhtted for field service from this cause, as by the results of battle. At Cor-
inth the regiment was again closely engaged. Colonel Buckland returned to
the command of the regiment, and General Denver took the brigade. After
Corinth the army proceeded to Memphis, the Seventy-second being stationed
at Fort Pickering. While here it was brigaded with the Thirty-second Wis-
consin, the Ninety-third Indiana, Ninety-third Illinois, and the One Hundred
and Fourteenth Illinois, and designated as the First Brigade of the Third Di-
vision, Colonel Buckland again assuming command of the brigade, and General
Lauman the division.

While holding the bridge over Wolf River the brigade had a taste of guer-
rilla tactics, but it did them no loss. It remained in this place some two weeks
and in January, 1863, received orders to proceed to Corinth, where it arrived
after a long and weary march in the dead of winter. Here the brigade was
assigned to the Sixteenth Corps, and placed on picket duty at White’s Station,
nine miles from the city. The strength of the regiment was increased while at
this place by about forty nine months recruits, and other men formerly of the
command who had been absent and sick.

About the middle of March commenced the movement southward, and by
a series of journeys by land and by water until Jackson, Mississippi, was reached
and a battle fought on the 14th of May, and after that came the labor of the
siege of Vicksburg. After the surrender of that city the regiment participated
in the movement against General Johnson, at Jackson, and afterward pursued
the rebels to Brandon where another engagement took place. In September
the command joined in the four days’ scout to Mechanicsville, and on the 15th
of October moved on General McPherson’s expedition to Canton, but soon af-
terward went into camp in rear of Vicksburg. From here it went to guard duty
on a line of railroad between Memphis and Charleston. This occupied the re-
mainder of the year. On January 2 the men of the Seventy-second re-enlisted
•ind moved to Memphis, and after taking part in the expedition to the Talla-
natchie River, returned to Ohio on veteran furlough on the 23d of February,
1S64.

Early in April, having been strengthened by many recruits, the regiment
returned again to the seat of operations and made a stand at Paducah to defend
that place, and shortly after moved to Memphis where it remained till the 30th
°f April, when it again joined an expedition against the rebel Forrest, thence
to Bolivar, and from there to Ripley, but soon returned to Memphis. In June
Allowing twelve regiments, of which the Seventy-second was one, again started
in pursuit of Forrest, and found him much to their sorrow at Brice’s Cross
Eoads, and were badly defeated and routed, losing a part of their wagon -train
a°d destroying the rest. They retreated in disorder and confusion, and escaped
21

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158

History of Erie County.

annihilation or capture only by a rapid retreat to Memphis, nevertheless, manv
were killed and captured. After this disastrous campaign the regiment, or
what was left of it, was attached to the First Brigade of the Sixteenth Corps.
It next participated in the battle at Tupelo in which the rebels were defeated,
as they were also at Tishomingo Creek. In both of these fights the brunt of
battle fell upon the brigade of the Seventy-second, and its loss amounted to
twenty-five men. The regiment then joined the Atlanta expedition, but Mower
having charge of the division, was ordered to Arkansas to resist Price, but
failed to meet him. It then marched northward continuing eighteen days, and
finally reached the Mississippi, where it embarked on transports for St. Louis,
thence moved to Jefferson City. It then pursued Price’s cavalry as far as Lit-
tle Santa Fe, and then turned back to St. Louis, which point was reached on
the 1 6th of November.

The Seventy-second next participated in the battle at Nashville, December
7th and 8th, and also at Walnut Hills soon afterward. McMillan’s Brigade in
this battle numbered less than twelve hundred effective men, still they captured
-two thousand prisoners and thirteen pieces of artillery, but sustained a loss of
one hundred and sixty of its own force. The division then moved to Eastport,
Miss., and went into camp. In February, 1865, the brigade moved to New
Orleans and camped on the old battle-ground. On the 28th of the same month
it went to Dauphin Island ; moved to the east side of Mobile River on the 19th
of March, and on the 27th laid siege upon Spanish Fort, which was evacuated
on the 8th of April. The next day it captured Fort Blakeley. It was then or-
dered to Meriden, Miss., where it was assigned to garrison duty. In September
the Seventy-second moved to Corinth, and soon afterward to Vicksburg, where
it was mustered out September 1 1, 1865, after which it returned to Camp Chase
and was paid and discharged.

Roster Company G — Unofficial.

James Fernald, captain ; mustered out with regiment.

William C. Biddle, first lieutenant; promoted to captain; transferred to
company E.

John H. Poyer, second lieutenant; resigned December 3, 1862.

Jacob M. Beecher, first sergeant; promoted to first lieutenant in U. S. Col-
ored Infantry, April 17, 1864

Jonas Stanbury, first sergeant; wounded at siege of Spanish Fort, Ala.;
mustered out with company.

George Downing, sergeant; mustered out with company; veteran.

Charles Hawes, sergeant; mustered out with company; veteran.

William P. Shilk, sergeant; mustered out with company; veteran.

George Taylor, sergeant; mustered out with company; veteran.

Robert Dalzell, corporal; mustered out with company; veteran.

V -

Military History.

Elihu Fernald, corporal; promoted to sergeant; transferred to company
E.; veteran.

Christian Eyle, musician; discharged August 7, 1865 ; veteran.

Privates.

Erasmus H. Andress, not on muster-out-roll; Sidney Adams, mustered out
with company, veteran ; John R. Ackers, not on muster-out- roll ; Ebenezer G.
Allen, mustered out with company; Burel Butman, mustered out with com-
pany; David Brownell, veteran, mustered out with company ; Charles Barber,
mustered out with company; Peter Brones, mustered out with company; Lewis
C. Clark, veteran, mustered out with company ; Wilson S. Crum, veteran, dis-
charged August 7, 1865; John Coon, John Call, Samuel Dailey, Edward
Daniels, veteran, mustered out with company; Willard Dike, discharged De-
cember 14, 1864; William Davie, discharged December 14, 1864; Henry W.
Dakin, discharged December 14, 1S64; Christopher Edwards, Erastus Erskin,
veteran, discharged May 13, 1865; Henry L. Ewing, discharged June 11, 1864;
Louis A. Ervin, Thomas C. Fernald, Hiram B. French, Henry French, Eu-
gene Frankenburg, died in Andersonville prison; Norman Foster, veteran,
mustered out with company; John Franigan, Edward B. Fuller, Edward Gibbs,
Nicholas L. Grow; John Haughn, discharged December 14, 1864; Alfred
Haun ; Charles Haughn, discharged to accept promotion July 10, 1864 ; Fran-
cis Higgins, James Hagenv, Solomon Hower; Charles Harley, veteran, dis-
charged August 7, 1865 ; Joseph Imhaf, David H. James, John H. Jefferson,
Frantz Kromer, Charles Kramus, Andrew Laughlin; John V. Ladd, discharged
October 29, 1864; Comfort M. Lewis, Charles Lausen, George W. Lewis, Ru-
fus W. Lawrence, Dennis Lavler ; William H. McEnalley, veteran, mustered
out with company; Dennis Mark; Philip Mons, died in rebel prison ; Michael
McCarty; Augustus Mulchey, veteran, mustered out with company ; Robert
Meek, William Perry, John Plum, Calvin R. Porter, James L. Porter, William
Rood, William L. Robertson ; Albert Rice, veteran, mustered out with com-
pany ; Augustus Rice, George W. Reed ; George H. Sutherland, discharged
December 14, 1864; Erastus Squires, Merritt Sextons, John C. Steward, dis-
charged by reason of fracture of right ankle September 27, 1864; James M.
^mith, Frederick Schafer; William Seitt, discharged February 10, 1865 ; Henry
^prow, Morris Sweet, John Shadenck, Joseph R. Turner, Benjamin Thurlby ;
JohTi D. Turner, veteran, mustered out with company; Michael Parchner; Jon-
athan Taylor, recruit, mustered out with company; DeWitt C. Vance, died of
"ounds August 8, 1864; Isaac Vanderpool, Henry Wile, Thomas J. Wright,
Garrison Warren, William H. Walker.

THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST INFANTRY.

This regiment was organized during the summer of 1862, and at a time

■

i6o

History of Erie County.

when almost every engagement resulted disastrously to the Union anus, and
at a time, too, when it required something more than enthusiasm or more love
of excitement to become a soldier; it was a stern and positive duty, and the
recruits knew full well that untold privations and hardships awaited them
The One Hundred and First was raised in the counties of Crawford, Wvandot
Huron, Erie and Seneca; the contingent from Erie county comprising com-
pany B and a large part of company G.

On the 4th of September, 1862, and before being fully organized for held
duty, the command proceeded under orders hurriedly to Cincinnati, and thence
to Covington, Ky., to repel the threatened invasion of Kirby Smith’s forces;
and on the 24th the regiment moved to Louisville, when it was placed in Car-
lin’s Brigade, Mitchell’s Division, and attached to the army under General
Buell.

Soon after the 1st of October commenced the pursuit of Bragg's rebel
force, which culminated in the battle of Perrysville on the 8th. Again the re-
treating rebels were overtaken and their rear guard attacked at Lancaster.
The regiment then moved to Nashville, Tenn., where General Jefferson C.
Davis took command of the division, and on the 26th of November joined the
army of the Cumberland, General Rosecrans being chief in command. At
this time was fought a battle near Nashville, at Knob Gap, where the regiment
made an excellent record for coolness and bravery, being, as they were much
of the time, under a heavy and telling fire from infantry and artillery.

On December 30 commenced the battle at Stone River, the brigade to
which the One Hundred and First belonged having the right of the line and
was the first on the field. On the day following they had it “ hot and heavy,”
no sooner being driven from one position than they made a determined stand
at another, all through the day. They held their position on the right until
January 2, when the brigade was ordered to support the left. From this
time until April the regiment was posted at or near Murfreesboro, from which
point they were constantly moving on various wearying expeditions; but from
April to June it rested in camp at Tullahoma.

In June was fought the battle at Liberty Gap, after which, in August, the
brigade crossed the mountains into Georgia, but returned shortly afterward
and took part at the Chickamauga battle, August 19 and 20. In this fight
the One Hundred and First made a fierce charge and regained a national bat-
tery, fighting over the guns with clubbed muskets. After this splendid
achievement the command retired to Chattanooga, where the regiment was
made a part of the First Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corp- During
the latter part of October the brigade moved to Bridgport. Ala., where it re-
mained in camp until January 16, 1S64, when it proceeded to Oldi.-./.ih, Tenn

The regiment participated in the Atlanta campaign in 1864, making its
first move ;n May, and first engaging the enemy at Catoosa Spring-, and drove

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Military History.

161

him as far as Tunnel Hill, from which place it went to Buzzard Roost Gap,
where misfortune awaited it, as the command got much the worst of it in a
mountain fight, and was compelled to seek refuge behind rocks and remain
concealed until late in the evening. It afterward took part in the operations
about Atlanta during the siege of that city, and fought at that place and at
jonesboro and Lovejoy. At Franklin it regained an important position that
another command had lost.

The regiment was afterward engaged at Nashville, and pursued Hood’s
retiring force for a time, but soon after went into camp at Huntsville. At this
place, on the I2th of June, 1865, the One Hundred and First was mustered
out of service. Soon after it returned to Camp Taylor, where the men were
paid and discharged.

Roster Field and Staff.

Leander Stern, colonel ; killed December 26, 1862.

Isaac M. Kirby, colonel ; promoted from major ; mustered out with regi-
ment.

John Trautz, lieutenant-colonel; resigned October 14, 1862.

Moses F. Wooster, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted from major ; died of
wounds January 3, 1863.

John Messer, lieutenant-colonel; resigned January 7, 1864.

Bedan D. McDonald, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted from major ; mustered
out with regiment.

Daniel H. Fox, major; promoted from captain; resigned September 28,

1864.

John A. Lattimer, major; promoted from captain; mustered out with
regiment.

Roster Company B. — Unofficial.

This company was raised in and about the city of Sandusky ; mustered in
August 30, 1862 ; mustered out June 12, 1865.

Thomas C. Fernald, captain; resigned on account of disability January
25* 1863.

Stephen P. Beckwith, first lieutenant; promoted to captain February I,
1863 i resigned November 30, 1864, by reason of disability.

Otis L. Peck, second lieutenant; dishonorably discharged January 25,

1865.

John M. Butler, first sergeant; promoted to first lieutenant Januarv 25,
1863; resigned December 29, 1863.

Charles E. Smith, sergeant; discharged for disability February 14, 1S63.

Jay C. Butler, sergeant; promoted to second lieutenant January 25, 1S63 ;
to first lieutenant March 29, 1864, and to captain March 16, 1865.

James Gordon, sergeant; discharged for disability March 8, 1S63.

History of Erie County.

Simeon Huntington, sergeant ; wounded at Stone River; died from wounds
January 19, 1863.

Alonzo R. Sharp, corporal ; discharged for disability June 1, 1863.

Henry j. Bly, corporal ; discharged February 17, 1863, for wounds re-
cieved at Stone River.

Joshua B. Davis, corporal ; transferred to First United States Engineers
July 29, 1864.

William D. Taylor, corporal; promoted to sergeant January 25, 1864;
mustered out with company.

Francis L. Pease, corporal ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps April 6,
1864.

William B. Rice, corporal ; promoted to sergeant January 25, 1863.

Jacob Merkley, corporal ; mustered out with company.

John W. Ward, corporal ; discharged for disability March 8, 1863.

George W. Hill, musician ; died at Perryville, Ky., November 12, 1862.
William P. Barton, wagoner ; mustered out with company.

Privates.

Harper Austin, mustered out with company.

Seth A. Barton, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 4, 1864.
William P. Bartow, no record found.

William Burrell, died in service.

Allen M. Curran, promoted to sergeant January 25, 1863.

William H. Carpenter, discharged for disability January 15, 1863.

Edwin Claflin, discharged April 5, 1865, by reason of accidental wound.
Robert Cullen, mustered out with company.

Wilbur F. Cowles, promoted to first sergeant January 25, 1863 ; captured
at battle of Chickamauga.

William H. Coveil, transferred to Marine Corps May 3, 1863.

John W. Dodge, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 4, 1S64
Milton C. Dodge, missing in battle at Chickamauga September 20, 1863.
Simeon A. Davis, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 3, 1864.
Charles B. Dennis, mustered out with company.

Henry M. Elwood, discharged for disability December 20, 1862.

Sidney W. Faxton, discharged for disability January 28, 1863.

James C. Fitch, discharged for disability May 29, 1865. ♦

Amos W. Fox, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps July 1, 1S63.

Alfred Foreman, discharged for disability January 14, 1S63.

Theodore Ford, wounded in battle at Chickamauga, Tenn., September I9r
1863.

Alfred Grant, discharged for disability January 24, 1863.

Leonard Gay, discharged for disability January 10, 1863.

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Military History.

163

James Glinn, died in service November 5, 1862.

Charles Gross, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps (date unknown).
Alexander C. Hosmer, transferred to company A ; promoted to second
lieutenant

William L. Hutton, discharged for disability October 7, 1863.

Jerome Holly, died May 8, 1863.

Albert Hinman, discharged by reason of wounds received at Stone River.
Harrison J. Hammond died in service February 14, 1863.

Francis Houseman, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, March 18, 1864.
Orlando Holly, died in service November 8, 1862.

Smith Harrington, discharged for disability February 24, 1863.

David Hinds, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.

Oliver Holbrook, discharged for disability March 10, 1863.

Martin Ingles, died in service December 9, 1863.

James L. Hill, no record found.

Philip Kuntz, not on muster-out roll.

Emmitt Lincoln, transferred to marine service.

George W. Littleton, mustered out with company.

James H. Laden, discharged for disability April 7, 1863.

George W. Ladd, promoted to sergeant January 25, 1863.

Justus Luhrs, promoted to corporal June 1, 1864.

Charles McGettigan, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 3, 1S04.
Dennis Mullen, mustered out with company.

Joseph T. Marshall, discharged February 28, 1863, from wounds received
at Stone River.

William Meacham, mustered out with company.

John F. Miller, died May 26, 1864, from wounds received at Nashville,
Tenn.

J. Edward Matthews, promoted to hospital steward April 14, 1863.

Charles D. Pierce, discharged for disability June 1 1, 1863.

Edwin C. Pomroy, died June 30, 1864, from wounds received at Chatta-
nooga, Tenn.

Oscar Pertschman, promoted to corporal March 1, 1S65.

Henry B. Penfield, discharged for disability December 30. 1863.

William R. Pope, discharged March 12, 1864, by reason of wounds received
at Chickamauga.

Theodore Rebadue, captured at Huntsville.

Aden Rice, clerk at head quarters, F'ourth Corps, mustered out with com-
pany.

Robert Sankey, died at Nashville, Tenn.

Thomas Shea, deserter.

Jay C. Smith, promoted to sergeant-major January 4, 1863.

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164

History of Erie County.

Robert Schell, mustered out with company.

Charles Shupe, prisoner of war ; no record of discharge.

Orange Seamons, discharged for disability January 9, 1863.

Bradford J. Severy, mustered out with company.

Ralph E. Taylor, discharged for disability October 9. 1863.

David W. Thompson, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 20,

1863.

Royal A. Tucker, discharged for disability May 29, 1865.

Joseph H. Terrill, captured September 20, 1863, and died in prison April
I, 1865.

Joel S. Wolverton, discharged for disability December 30, 1862.

Daniel Wood, discharged for disability January 7, 1864.

Mack Wood, discharged for disability December 30, 1863.

Anton Wauck, discharged for disability December 30, 1863.

Henry O. Wright, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.

Samuel G. Wright, discharged for disability December 30, 1863.

Dustin Washburn, transferred to United States Engineers August 29, 1864.
Jacob Young, promoted to corporal March 1, 1865; mustered out with
company.

Jacob M. Zimmerman, missing at Chickamauga ; died in rebel prison Janu-
ary 9, 1864.

Additional names of company : Rolla Meeker, no record ; Anson Doug-
lass, no record ; Christian Wall, deserter ; George W. Hill, died in service ;
Thomas Johnson, deserted at Covington, Ky.

Roster Company G, Unofficial.

This company was recruited mainly in the east and west parts of the coun-
ty, one 'portion from Margaretta township and the other from Berlin, Flor-
ence and other localities, while a few were from outside the county.

John Messer, captain ; promoted to lieutenant-colonel to date January 3.
1863; resigned January 7, 1864.

John P. Fleming, first lieutenant ; promoted to captain May 23, 1863 ; mus-
tered out with the company.

Horace D. Olds, second lieutenant; promoted to first lieutenant May 27.
1863 ; discharged December 25, 1864, to accept promotion in First United
States Volunteer Veteran Engineer Corps.

William H. Van Ness, first sergeant; discharged October 26, 1863.
Ambrose B. C. Dunman, sergeant; captured September 19, 1863.
Jonathan Cooke, sergeant; transferred to First United States Veteran En-
gineer Corps, August 7, 1864.

George W. Fleming, sergeant; discharged March 4, 1863.

Squire A. Butler, corporal; promoted to first sergeant May 3, 1S64; mus-
tered out with the company.

Military History.

165

George Mordorf, corporal; promoted to sergeant July 2, 1864; mustered
out with company.

Isaac C. Capen, corporal; promoted to sergeant March 4, 1863 ; killed in
battle September 19, 1863.

Francis M. Miller, corporal; discharged October 18, 1862.

George L. Smith, corporal ; died December 4, 1862.

Jasper F. Webster, corporal ; promoted to second lieutenant May 3, 1864 5
to first lieutenant February 1, 1S65 ; mustered out with company.

John White, corporal; promoted to sergeant October 15, 1863 ; mustered
out with company.

Roderick Russell, musician; discharged March 26, 1863.

Privates.

Franklin Andrews, promoted to corporal March, 1865.

Emerson Andrews, mustered out with company.

Squire Abbott, mustered out with company.

Henry E. Burbank, not on muster-out roll.

Isaac Baldwin, died June 12, 1863.

Daniel S. Barber, discharged February 21, 1863.

Oliver W. Benschoter, died December 28, 1862.

Albert A. Blair, mustered out with company.

James C. Burkholder, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 27, 1864.
Walter C. Beardsley, captured September 19, 1863.

Oliver M. Butler, mustered out with company.

Marcus Crawnell, wounded December 15, 1864; mustered out with com-
pany.

John Daniels, died January 19, 1863.

Hezekiah S. Drake, promoted to corporal March 1, 1865.

John J. Dunning, discharged July 16, 1863.

William Dunham, killed at Kenesaw Mountain June 25, 1864.

Floron Dalzell, died January 28, 1863.

Henry E. Dwight, mustered out with company.

Henry D. Fisher, mustered out with company.

Alpha B. Falley, discharged June 23, 1863.

George L. Fowler, promoted to sergeant July I, 1864; mustered out with
company.

Ralph G. Fuller, mustered out with company.

James Ford, transferred to Mississippi Marine Brigade March 11, 1863.
Alfred Ford, discharged for wounds May 13, 1865.

Peter Grimer, transferred to Signal Corps October 22, 1863.

Oliver Gardner, mustered out with company.

Daniel W. Harris mustered out with company.

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History of Erie County.

i 66

George Hewitt, killed in battle of Stone River January 5, 1863.

George Hoover, mustered out with company.

Jacob Hay, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 3, 1864.

William Hutchinson, killed in battle of Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.
Malachi Humphrey, discharged for wounds May 25, 1865.

Daniel B. Higgins, mustered out with company.

Miles E. Hale, discharged January 31, 1863.

Edgar F. Horn, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.

Alba Howey, mustered out with company.

John Howey, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.

John Howell, mustered out with company.

Frederick Houck, mustered out with company.

Benjamin Jones, mustered out with company.

Peter Landin, discharged February 7, 1863.

Laban D. Lowrey, discharged December n, 1863.

Charles Long, mustered out with company.

Alexander Lewis, died December 2, 1862.

Charles D. Morehouse, discharged February 28, 1864.

Curtis B. Mullenox, killed in battle of Stone River January 2, 1863.
Andrew Menikle, killed in battle of Stone River, January 2, 1863.

Francis Magill, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.

La Fayette Miller, transferred to Engineer’s Corps, August 7, 1864.

Daniel Myers, mustered out with company.

Andrew J. Miller, promoted to corporal March 1, 1865.

William Munson, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps April 10, 1864.
George B. Morse, promoted to corporal January 1, 1865.

Leroy Mullenox, died from wounds July 25, 1864.

Lewis Osborn, died in Libby Prison December 14, 1863.

Stephen Paxton, promoted to corporal May 10, 1863 ; mustered out with
company.

James J. Pike, discharged January 6, 1864.

David Plue, promoted to corporal July 1, 1864; mustered out with com-
pany.

John Russet, mustered out with company.

Charles Russet, mustered out with company.

Giles W. Ray, promoted corporal July 1, 1864.

Horace V. Ramsdell, discharged for wounds March II, 1863.

Lyman B. Russell, mustered out with company.

Almon W. Sherman, mustered out with company.

Elisha D. Smith, discharged June 4, 1S64.

Russell Sanders, discharged August 15, 1863.

George W. Shaffer, died June 19, 1864.

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Military History.

i 67

Alfred Sutton, mustered out with company.

De Witt Thompson, mustered out with company.

Martin V. Wilbur, discharged for wounds March 27, 1865.

John D. Wheat, mustered out with company.

Maddison E. Wells, promoted to sergeant July 1, 1864; mustered out
with company.

George W. Wheal, discharged February 4, 1863.

Andrew Bradley, starved to death in Andersonville prison September 24,
1S64; captured September 23, 1863.

THE ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH INFANTRY.

This was one of the many regiments composed of steady-going Germans
that joined the Union army. Many of those who were in what was known as
the German regiments were unable to speak English, and some were taken
prisoners by the rebels. When the “ Johnnies” found so strong a foreign
element among the Union soldiers, they supposed as a matter of course that
the North had been receiving aid from Germany, and were at great loss to
thoroughly understand it. This was noticeably the case among the Pennsyl-
vania regiments, a large number of whom were what might aptly be termed
“solid Dutch.”

The German regiments were, as a rule, somewhat slow in their movements,
but they were, nevertheless, generally on hand when wanted. They were
hard, determined fighters, and made excellent soldiers. The One Hundred
and Seventh was a part of the Second Brigade, First Division, and Eleventh
Army Corps, under command of Major-General Sigel, whose fighting qualities
were well known all through the army.

One company, F, of this regiment, was raised in Erie county and was
called the “Sandusky Yaegers.” The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Taylor,
near Cleveland, and first took to the field in September, 1862, at Covington,
Ey., where Kirby Smith was threatening an invasion. After this scare was
passed the regiment came to Delaware, O., but soon left for work and duty on
the defenses about the national capital. In November it went into Virginia, at
Stafford Court House, at which place it was assigned to Sigel’s army as already
stated. Some two weeks later it participated in the movement designed to
bring the command in rear of Fredericksburg, and acting with Burnside’s
Corps, make a second attack on the city, but the exceedingly bad condition of
the roads made the plan fail.

In the early part of May, 1863, the regiment participated in the battle of
Chancellorsville, but Stonewall Jackson proved too much for Howard, and
defeated him with serious loss, the One Hundred and Seventh alone losing
two hundred and twenty-nine in killed,* wounded and captured. After this
the regiment lay in camp at Brooks’s Station until the 12th of June, at which

i6S

History of Erie County.

time it moved northward to engage with the forces against General Lee. It
took a prominent part in the Gettysburg fight, commencing July I, and was
engaged actively for that and the next day. The regiment went into the bat-
tle about five hundred strong, and its total loss in killed, wounded and missing
amounted to nearly four-fifths of that number. This was a terrible fight for
the One Hundred and Seventh, and their loss was in a measure offset by their
capture of a stand of colors from the famous Louisiana Tigers. Having but a
trifle over one hundred serviceable men left, the command joined in the pur-
suit of Lee’s army, following it to Hagarstown, thence to Catlett’s Station.

The regiment started by boat for Folly Island on the 1st of August, and
remained at that place performing garrison and picket duty until the following
February, when an expedition was made to Seabrook Island and Jones's
Island. After that it went to Jacksonville, Fla., where it remained, except for
about a month, until December, 1S64. Its fighting days were now about
over, nevertheless, until the latter part of March, 1865, it performed valuable
service, and had a short, but sharp brush with the rebels at Sumpterville,
capturing three pieces of artillery and a number of horses and prisoners.
Afterward, at Singleton’s Plantation, it captured a railroad train and a large
amount of stores and ammunition.

After Lee’s surrender the regiment went to Charleston, where it remained
on provost duty until July 10, when it was mustered out, sent home and dis-
charged from the service.

Roster , Field and Staff.

Seraphim Meyer, colonel; resigned February 8, 1864, for disabilities.

Charles Mueller, lieutenant-colonel; resigned October 24, 1863.

John S. Cooper, lieutenant-colonel ; mustered out with regiment.

George Arnold, major; resigned August 21, 1863.

August Vignos, major; resigned September 30, 1864.

Edward S. Meyer, major; resigned January 1, 1865.

F. C. Suhner, major ; mustered out with regiment.

Roster Company F, not Official.

Henry Bernhard, first sergeant; discharged March 2, 1863.

George Beck, sergeant; missing in action at Gettysburg July 1, 1863.

Justus Thornberg, sergeant; promoted to first lieutenant; wounded May
2, 1863.

Leopold Weinman, sergeant ; mustered out with company.

Carl Groesch, sergeant; discharged December 2 2, 1862.

John Becker, corporal; mustered out with company.

Frederick Frey, corporal; promoted sergeant March 5, 1863; mustered
out with company.

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Military History.

169

Charles Wahler, corporal ; wounded at Gettysburg July 1, 1863.

Henry Roder, corporal ; mustered out with company.

Henry Frey, corporal; died November 1, 1862.

Joseph Fels, corporal ; discharged for wounds May 27, 1864.

Stephen Schnurr, musician ; mustered out with company.

Joseph Meier, wagoner; mustered out with company.

Privates.

Herman Breunmy, discharged April, 1863.

Jacob Bretz, died October 8, 1863.

T. Xavier Buerge, mustered out with company.

Augustine Burzikafer, mustered out with company.

Jacob Beecher, mustered out with company.

John Bucher, mustered out with company.

Frederick Biehl, captured at Gettysburg ; eight months a prisoner.

Adam Bergheeler, promoted corporal ; mustered out with company.

John Becker, wounded at Gettysburg ; promoted corporal.

John Breil, died May 14, 1865.

Frederick Busch, mustered out with company.

Joseph Bishop, died December 31, 1862.

Andrew Bengel, killed in action March 2, 1863.

John Ernst, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, September 26, 1S63.
Jacob Ensdorff, promoted to sergeant October 1, 1864; mustered out with
company.

Charles Franck, mustered out with company.

John G. Fott, mustered out with company.

Charles Gerdes, mustered out with company.

Edward Gessler, mustered out with company.

Edward Giteman, mustered out with company.

John Hormes, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps by reason of wounds.
George Helmech, killed in action at Gettysburg July 2, 1863.

Henry Hossle, mustered out with company.

William Heinzmann, not on muster-out roll.

William Hacker, missing at Gettysburg July 1, 1863.

Martin Indlekofer, died June 19, 1865.

John Kastor, mustered out with company.

Charles Krumbholz, not on muster-out roll.

Henry Kappel, promoted corporal March 1, 1864.

Anton Lung, mustered out with company.

Ferdinand Loeblein, killed in action May 2, 1863.

Alphouse J. Lefflor, not on muster-out roll.

Frank Mangin, mustered out with company

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170

History of Erie County.

John Moos, mustered out with company.

Jacob G. Miller, absent, sick when company was mustered out.

Conrad Missig, promoted to corporal March i, 1864; wounded May 2,
1863, in breast and shoulders.

August Mathew, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 20, 1863.

Joseph Mueller, mustered out with company.

Frank Newberger, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 20, 1863.

Gustav Philips, promoted to corporal November 24, 1862; wounded in
action May 2, 1863 ;j transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps August 22, 1S64.

Peter Reader, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps March 5, 1864, for
reason of wounds.

Peter Reis, died from wounds July 10, 1863.

August Raber, died of wounds August 2, 1863.

Nicholas Rimel, died in Libby Prison.

Henry Ross, mustered out with company.

John Surren, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 1, 1864.

William Sneider, promoted to principal musician.

Adam Schaul, wounded in action March 1, 1863 ; mustered out with com-
pany.

Valentine Scheidler, not on muster-out roll.

John Schomer, mustered out with company.

John Smith, not on muster-out roll.

Christian Thomas, mustered out with company.

Wendel Viethauer, not on muster-out roll.

Jacob Walter, wounded in action May 2, 1863; mustered out with com-
pany.

Garret Walter, missing at Gettysburg^ July 1, 1863.

Anthony Wintersteller, not on muster-out roll.

Jacob Zuber, not on muster-out roll.

THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

This was among the latter regiments raised in Ohio for the three years
service. It was mustered into service by companies during the months of
September and October, 1862. Erie county was represented by company G
and a small portion of K, the larger part of the latter being recruited at Tiffin
and vicinity. The regiment rendezvoused and was organized at Camp Mon-
roeville, in Huron county, and immediately after the muster-in of the last com-
pany it was ordered to Zanesville ; thence into Virginia, where its time seems
to hav^ been occupied in scouting and marching from place to place, and
eventually brought up at Webster, not twenty-five miles from its starting
place. Soon afterwards the regiment went to New Creek and remained there
in camp until the 12th of December. In January it marched to Morehead to

Military History.

171

relieve the One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio, and on the 10th left that place
for Romney. Here it was employed in scouting duty along the line of the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and while so doing one company of the One
Hundred and Sixteenth and a small detail of the One Hundred and Twenty-
third were captured by McNeil’s Cavalry.

But this loss was comparatively trifling as against that that fell to the regi-
ment at Winchester on the 13th of June and the days following, and although
the men fought like demons, this regiment making three desperate charges in
attempting to break through the rebel lines, it was of no avail ; they were sur-
rounded, their retreat cut off, and the command, with but few exceptions, were
captured and taken to Richmond. The officers were confined in Libby prison,
but a few managed to effect their escape. The privates were exchanged in the
course of a few months and sent to the parole camps at Annapolis, and at
Camp Chase, O.

About the 1st of April, 1864, the regiment was re- assembled at Martins-
burg, and from thence moved to Winchester, the city of their recent downfall.
From here it moved, under General Sigel, up the Shenandoah and engaged in
battle at New Market, on May 15 th, but with heavy loss was compelled to
retreat to Cedar Creek. Here General Sigel was succeeded by General Hunter
in the command of this branch of the army. On the 5th of June Port Repub-
lic was fought and two thousand prisoners taken from the Confederacy. After
this commenced Hunter’s retreating fight from Lynchburg to Salem, a retreat
memorable for its disasters, and when the command arrived at Gauley Bridge
it was in a most forlorn and pitiable condition. On the 6th of July the regi-
ment reached Parkersburg, and thence marched to Martinsburg, which latter
place it left two and a half months before with seven hundred men, but on its
return could muster but two hundred and fifty.

With the Army of West Virginia the One Hundred and Twenty- third
fought at Snicker’s Ferry on July 1 8th, and afterward joined in the pursuit of
the rebels with alternating success and reverses for some days. Then the regi-
ment joined the army under Phil Sheridan. It participated in the battle at
Herryville, on September 19; at Strasburg ; at Cedar Creek, on October 19th,
when Sheridan made his famous ride and turned disaster into victory ; at Hat-
cher’s Run, on the 2d of April of the following year; at High Bridge, where
the One Hundred and Twenty- third was again captured and taken to Appo-
mattox Court House. But at this place the whole of Lee's army surrendered
to General Grant, and thus the prisoners were rescued.

The regiment then returned to Camp Chase, O., where on the 12th of June
the men were mustered out of service.

Roster Field and Staff.

William T. Wilson, colonel ; mustered out with regiment.

Henry B. Hunter, lieutenant-colonel; discharged December 8, 1864.

172

History of Erie County.

Horace Kellogg, lieutenant-colonel ; promoted from captain ; mustered out
with regiment.

A. Baldwin Norton, major; resigned March 3, 1863.

John \V. Chamberlain, major ; promoted from captain ; mustered out with
regiment

Roster Company G. — Unofficial.

Mustered in September 24, 1862; mustered out June 12, 1865.

Charles H. Riggs, captain; died September 15, 1864, from starvation while
in rebel prison at Charleston, S. C.

Charles H. Rosenbaum, first lieutenant ; promoted from private to first
lieutenant; to captain March 7, 1865.

Frank B. Colver, second lieutenant ; promoted to first lieutenant June i,
1863 ; discharged by special order of war department April 4, 1865.

Sherman A. Johnson, first sergeant; promoted to second lieutenant Janu-
ary 14, 1864; discharged for wounds June 15, 1865.

George A. Scobey, sergeant; transferred to non-commissioned staff Aprii
6, 1863.

Wesley B. Jennings, sergeant ; promoted to first sergeant January 1, 1864.

Charles M. Keyes, sergeant ; transferred by promotion to Company K
April, 1864.

Martin L. Skillman, sergeant; captured June 15, 1865 ; mustered out with
company.

Myron E. Clemons, corporal ; promoted to sergeant; wounded at Hatcher’s
Run, March 31, 1865.

John Steele, corporal; discharged March, 1863.

Augustus O. Garrett, corporal; promoted to sergeant; captured June 15,
1863.

Frank W. Canfield, corporal ; discharged for disability.

Jacob Wentz, corporal ; died in rebel prison January 27, 1865.

William Gallard, corporal; killed in action June 13, 1863.

William H. Metcalf, corporal; name not on muster-out roll.

William H. Levering, corporal ; name not on muster-out roll.

William Jennings, musician ; mustered out with company.

William Allen, musician ; mustered out with company.

George R. McConnelly, wagoner; absent as brigade teamster.

Privates.

Louis Buyer, captured June 15, 1863.

Solomon Brown, died of wounds November 21, 1864.

Charles Brumm, discharged for wounds March 20, 1865.

Napoleon Buyer, absent when company was mustered out.

Luther Barnard, wounded in action September 19, 1864; captured June
15, 1863.

Military History.

173

Henry C. Barnard, captured June 15, 1S63 ; mustered out with company.
George N. Bonn, captured June 15, 1S63 ; mustered out with company.
Jay Bogart, mustered out with company.

James Burns, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company.

Albert D. Buck, mustered out with company.

Henry Blosier, captured June 15, 1863 mustered out with company.
Michael Clark, captured June 15, 1S63 ; mustered out with company.

John Clavin, discharged for disability.

James Cross, captured June 15, 1863 ; mustered out with company.
William H. Chamberlain ; discharged for disability.

Cornelius D. Conger, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with com-
pany.

George B. Drake, promoted corporal; captured June 15, 1863 ; mustered
out with company.

Benjamin Drake, captured June 15, 1863 ; mustered out with company.
Jacob Detless, died from wounds received in action November 21. 1S64.
Martin Dipple, discharged for disability.

Benjamin E. Deeley, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with com-
pany.

Edward Forrester, on detached service.

Conrad Fillmore, absent, sick in hospital.

Joseph Groff, captured June 15, 1863.

Joseph H. Goff, captured June 15, 1863 ; mustered out with company.
George W. Greenhoe, captured June 15, 1864; mustered out with com-
pany.

Charles W. Gillen, discharged for disability.

William Golden, captured August 10, 1864.

George Golden, jr., died June 21, 1865.

Bryant Headley, transferred by promotion to 10 1st United States Colored
troops, September 1, 1864.

Charles Hegoney, no date of muster-out.

John Harper, captured June 15, 1863.

James Hoyt, died March 6, 1863.

William Hoyt, died May 25, 1863. "

Richard Howe, captured June 15, 1863 ; mustered out with company.
Charles Hammond, discharged for disability ; no record.

John Hines, on detached service.

George Hines, captured June 15, 1863 ; mustered out with company.
Henry D. Johnson, died from wounds received in action June 15, 1863.
Charles G. Knight, promoted to corporal; captured June 15, 1863.
Thomas. Keyes, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company.
Cyman Luce, mustered out with company.

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174

History of Erie County.

Patrick Laughlin, captured May 15, 1864; exchanged March 11, 1865 ;
mustered out with company.

John La Fere, died in rebel prison.

Andrew J. Lewis, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.

Frank Littlefield, discharged for disability.

Jonn P. McElwane, died in rebel prison.

William Morgan, mustered out with company.

Barney McGookey, died in hospital May 9, 1865.

Richard Martin, missing in action June 15, 1863.

Foster Neil, captured June 15, 1863.

Thomas Neil, starved to death in Andersonville prison.

Theodore Ochs, killed in action March 31, 1865.

Albert Ott, killed in action July 12, 1864.

William Oehen, in hospital when company was mustered out.

August Raab, absent in hospital when company was mustered out.

Conrad Rhohella, discharged for wounds receivd in action June 13, 1863.
Delos C. Ransom, captured June 15, 1863.

William Reed, captured June 15, 1S63 ; mustered out with company.
James Reed, died of wounds July 12, 1864.

Samuel E. Stowe, captured June 15, 1863 ; mustered out with company.
Andrew Strawson, captured October 19, 1864.

Albert Southey, name not on muster roll.

John R. Savenack, mustered out with company.

Peter Sheur, captured June 15, 1863 ; mustered out with company.
George Stockley, captured June 15, 1863.

George Shesley, on detached duty.

Benjamin Thompson, on detached service.

Frederick Tucker, in hospital when company was mustered out.

Alfred C. Van Tine, discharged for wounds February 20, 1865.

\ George A. Warren,' died in hospital at Cumberland, Md.

Albert L. Walker, promoted to first lieutenant March 14, 1865 ; assigned
to 1 86th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

William P. Wheeler, promoted to corporal ; wounded in action September
19, 1864; discharged from hospital.

Solomon Kriss, discharged for disability.

William Stahl, discharged in hospital.

George Weber, captured June 15, 1863.

John G. McGookey, mustered out wfth company.

Richard H. Trimmer, wounded in action; captured June 15, 1863.
Thomas Parsons, captured June 15, 1863.

Milo H. Wagner, wounded in action ; captured Juue 15, 1863.

William Kelley, wounded in action; captured June 15, 1863.

Military History.

i75

National Guards — One Hundred Days Service.

THE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.

This command was called into the United States service in the spring of
1 S64, and was the first regiment composed in any considerable part of Erie
county volunteers, that enlisted in the one hundred days service. Parts of sev-
eral companies were raised in Erie county. The regiment rendezvoused at
Camp Chase, but not long was it permitted to remain there, for it was at once
ordered to the national defenses at Washington. Upon the arrival of the reg-
iment at the capital it was assigned to garrison duty at Forts Whipple, Wood-
bury, Cass, Tillinghast and Albany, on the south of the <city, on what is known
as Arlington Heights.

The men of the One Hundred Forty-fifth, during their months of service,
aere not once engaged with the rebels, but their duty was, nevertheless, labo-
rious and severe. At that period of the war the capital was threatened with
invasion and the defending force was kept constantly on the alert, ready at any
minute for an attack should it come. In July the rebel commander, General
Early, with his force made a raid down the valley of the Shenandoah River, and
threatened to lay siege to Washington ; and from where the regiment lay en-
camped the noise of his troops could be heard, but he made no attack.

The One Hundred and Forty-fifth was in service from the 10th of May un-
til the 20th of August, 1864, and after the expiration of its term of enlistment
the men returned to Camp Chase, where they were mustered out of service.

It is not deemed important for the purposes of this chapter to furnish a
roster of this regiment, or the portion thereof from Erie county, other than to
give the field and staff, and the commissioned officers, which were as follows .

Colonel, Henry C. Ashwell ; lieutenant-colonel, Lloyd A. Lyman ; major,
Henry C. Olds ; surgeon, Henry Besse ; assistant surgeon, John D. Janney ;
adjutant, William E. Moore; quartermaster, James H. Stead; chaplain, W. G.
Williams; captains, Edward M. Jones, Lewis Moss, James Wallace, James M.
Crawford, Richard W. Reynolds, John J. Penfield, David H. James, Archibald
Ereswater, William H. Wilson, John Cellar; first lieutenants, Hugh J. Perry,
hrederick W. Cogsville, Cornelius Hull, David G. Cratty, John A. Cone, Wil-
liam E. Bates, G. W. Flemming, Jackson S. Post, James W. McGookey ; sec-
ond lieutenants, Joseph S. Hall, James S. Harmon, Henry M. Bronson, John
Neley, John T. Munsell, John D. Van Deman, E. H. Draper, H. B. Wood,
Chris. R. Caulkins, Samuel M. White, jr. , Aaron M. Decker.

THE THIRD CAVALRY.

This regiment was recruited largely from the counties of Erie and Huron,

contingent from Erie being represented in the companies B, E, I, and K.
H was organized and prepared for service at Camp Monroeville, in Huron

176

History of Erie County.

county, from which point it proceeded to Camp Dennison on the 14th of Jan-
uary, 1862, but one month later moved to Jeffersonville, Ind.

On the 1 8th of March the command arrived at Nashville, and ten days
later left for Pittsburg Landing, where it arrived and went into camp on April
25. In May the first engagement of the battalion was had at Monterey, and
there the enemy were driven back. After this it moved to a point near Cor-
inth, when it took a position within sight of the rebel lines, but being com-
pelled to fall back, the rebels pursued and a brisk battle followed. Again, on
May 27, on the railroad west of Corinth, another battle was fought, and the
enemy beaten.

On July 18 the Third reached Winchester, where it camped until August
14, and then moved to McMinnville. Major Foster took his battalion to Dun-
lap, five miles distant, where the enemy was again encountered and their
pickets driven in, after which the command returned to its division. On Sep-
tember 3 Nashville was again reached, thence Gallatin, and from there to
Mumfordsville, arriving at the latter place on September 21, just in time to
meet the enemy and drive them three successive times into their earth-works,
and with a loss to themselves of less than fifteen.

On the next day began the march to Louisville, arriving October 1, and
from here the Third took up the work of following and harassing Bragg’s rebel
army, but on the 20th a detachment of the regiment, some two hundred and
fifty strong, fell into the hands of the guerrilla John Morgan. The prisoners
were robbed of their personal effects, and paroled and allowed to return to the
Union lines, but subsequently sent to Camp Chase. The remaining force of
the Second and Third Battalions was then stationed along the railroad between
Bowling Green and Gallatin, where a battle was soon brought on against Mor-
gan’s force and a large amount of supplies taken as well as many prisoners.
The regiment then went into camp at Hartsville.

From this place the detachment under command of Captain Elisha M.
Colver moved up the Cumberland River to Carthage to intercept a drove of
mules and rebel stores, which were being removed by rebel quartermasters,
and accompanied by an escort of Morgan’s raiders. After a chase of twenty-
six miles, fording the river four times, the detachment captured the entire
train, and drove off one hundred and forty- six mules, besides routing the escort
and taking seventeen of them prisoners.

During the greater part of the month of December the Third was actively
engaged in skirmishing and foraging through the enemy’s country. On the
26th it took a position on the right of Rosecrans’s army, near Franklin. On
the 27th a battle was fought here and the rebels routed. The regiment then
moved to Triune, and at night again engaged the enemy. The next few days
it saw plenty of service. On the 29th a reconnaissance in force was made ; on
the 30th the Third was assigned to a position on the extreme right ; and at

Military History.

i/7

two o’clock on the morning of the 31st the rebels made an advance, whereupon
the brigade to which the Third belonged was advanced as skirmishers ; at four
o’clock the line was driven in by Wheeler’s Cavalry, and after a sharp battle
of two hours was driven from the field. The next morning General McCook’s
Corps ammunition train was captured, but the Second and Third Battalions of
the Third made a dash and re-captured the whole train, as well as a large
number of prisoners. In this efficient work the Third sustained thirteen killed
and a large number wounded.

The year 1863 witnessed many stirring events for the regiment. On the
1st the Third left the field to escort a train of four thousand wagons to Nash-
ville for supplies. The train was attacked by the rebel cavalry under Stewart
and Wheeler, but the attack was repulsed by the Third, supported by the
Tenth Cavalry. During the whole journey the rebels hung about and made
frequent attacks, but as often were they defeated by the escorting party. Their
duty was at length performed faithfully and well. After this, and after the
battle of Stone River, the Third was sent in pursuit of the enemy, and at Mid-
dleton, Tenn., attacked the rear guard and captured a wagon train. It then
went into camp at Murfreesboro. Here the Second Battalion was detached
and sent to Readyville to battle against John Morgan’s guerrillas. The Third
Battalion, remaining at Murfreesboro, was surrounded by rebels and a sur-
render demanded, but Lieutenant Brenard. in command, could not see it in that
light, and at once ordered a sabre charge, cutting his way out and taking a
number of prisoners.

On the general advance of the army from Murfreesboro, in July, the Third
was engaged almost daily. In the Sequatchie Valley the enemy was encoun-
tered, and a running fight of three days’ duration ensued. During the battle
at Chickamauga the Third occupied the extreme left of the line, and afterward
pursued Wheeler’s Cavalry through Tennessee, engaging him at McMinnvi c
and Farmington, and in the latter battle secured a large number of prisoner^.
In November detachments of the Third scouted through the mountains ol Last
Tennessee, and thus ended the year’s campaigning.

While at Pulaski, Tenn., in January, 1864, the regiment veteranized, but its
ranks were fearfully decimated, the results of its many engagements. It there-
fore became necessary to recruit and add to its effective strength, there being
then but four hundred men fit for duty in the whole command. Through the
efforts of Major Skinner and Captain Elisha M. Colver nearly one thousand
troops were raised in Northern Ohio, and when the regiment returned to tin*
front, at Nashville, it numbered over thirteen hundred serviceable men. At
Nashville the regiment was re-equipped, armed and mounted. Much was ex-
pected of the command, and it more than fulfilled that expectation.

We find them first engaged with Rhoddy’s command at Courtland, A. a ,
early in May, 1864, at which fight the rebel loss amounted to upwards of thirty

I7»

History of Erie County.

men in killed and wounded. At Rome the Third was on the left of Sherman's
army, and was engaged at Etowah, Kenesaw Mountain, Noonday Creek, and
at the crossing of the Chattahoochie River. It was sent to Roswell, Ga., to
destroy the rebel stores and factories at that place. In this affair four hundred
factory girls were captured and sent through the lines. At McAfee Bridge,
on July 9, four companies of the Third, commanded by Captain Colver, became
engaged with a large force of rebel Texas cavalrymen, in which battle several
rebels were killed and a large number fell into the regiment’s hands as pris-
oners.

The regiment participated in the battle at Peach Tree Creek, in the raid
upon Covington, Stone Mountain, and in the Stoneman raid, in each of which
engagements it met with severe losses. After the fall of Atlanta it went in
pursuit of Hood’s rebel force, and was engaged at the battles of Franklin and
Nashville ; also in the Wilson raid through Alabama and Georgia. It was at
Selina, Montgomery, Macon and Griffin, and in the chase after Jefferson Davis,
the Confederate president.

Under the orders of General Thomas, the Third Cavalry turned over to the
government its horses and arms, at Macon, after which it proceeded to Nash-
ville and was mustered out of service. It then returned to Camp Chase,
where, on the 14th of August, 1865, after a severe service of almost four years,
it was paid off and discharged.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE PRESS OF ERIE COUNTY.

EDUCATION is the great civilizer, and printing its greatest auxiliary.

Were it not for the aid furnished by the press the great mass of the peo-
ple would still be groping in the darkness of the middle ages, and knowledge
would still remain confined within the limits of the cloister.

It is surprising, when searching our libraries, to discover how little has
been written of the “Art preservative of all Arts,” and the educator of all edu-
cators. While printing has been the chronicler of all arts, professions and
learning, it has recorded so little of its own history and progress as to leave
even the story of its first invention and application wrapped in mystery and
doubt. We only know that from the old Ramage press which Faust and
Franklin used, capable of producing a hundred impressions per hour, we have
now the ponderous machine which turns out one thousand copies per minute
In glancing over the pages of history, we discover the gradual develop-

.rsr ■ '

The Erie County Press.

*79

merits in the arts and sciences. We notice that they go hand in hand one

discovery points to another, one improvement in the arts leads to others con
tinually, and the results of the last fevv centuries show that observations of no
apparent use led to the most important discoveries and developments. The
falling of an apple led Newton to unfold the theory of gravitation and its rela-
tions to the solar system ; the discovery of the polarity of the loadstone led
to the construction of the mariner’s compass; the observation of the muscular
contraction of a frog led to the numerous applications of galvanic electricity ;
the observation of the expansive force of steam led to the construction and
application of the steam engine ; the observation of the influence of light on
the chloride of silver led to the art of photography ; the observation of the
communication of sound by the connected rails of a railroad led to the inven-
tion of the telephone ; the impressions taken from letters cut in the smooth
bark of the beech tree led to the art of printing — the art which transmits to
posterity a record of all which is valuable to the world.

Thus is progress discernible in every successive generation of man. Grad-
ually has he advanced from a state of rude barbarism and total ignorance to a
degree of perfection which gives him almost absolute dominion over all ele-
ments, and in the pride of glorious and enlightened manhood he can exclaim
with Cowper :

“I am monarch of all I survey,

My right there is none to dispute ;

From the center all ’round to the sea
I am lord of the fowl and the brute ! ”

So long as mind shall occupy its seat, so long will progress be the watch-
word of man, and onward and upward will be his march to an endless and lim-
itless ascent — where all the hidden and occult secrets of creation will unfold
their mysteries to his comprehension and crown him master of them all.

The printing office has well been called the “ Poor Boy’s College,” and has
proven a better school to many; has graduated more intellect and turned it
into useful, practical channels ; awakened more active, devoted thought, than
*my alma mater on the earth. Many a dunce has passed through the univer-
sities with no tangible proof of fitness other than his insensible piece of parch
ment — himself more sheepish, if possible, than his “sheep-skin.” There is
something in the very atmosphere of a printing office calculated to awaken the
mind to activity and inspire a thirst for knowledge. Franklin, Stanhope, Bcr-
anger, Thiers, Greeley, Taylor, and a host of other names, illustrious in the
world of letters and science, have been gems in the diadem of typography, and
owe their success to the influence of a printing office.

The newspaper has become one of the chief indexes of the intelligence,
ci vili zation and progress of the community in which it is published, and its
bles are the footprints of the advancement and refinement of the period of its

History of Erie County.

180

publication ; and the printing office is now deemed as essential as the school-
house or church. It has taken the place of the rostrum and the professor’s
chair, and, become the great teacher. No party, organization, enterprise or
calling is considered perfect without its “organ” — the newspaper — as a
mouth-piece.

Turning from this comment upon the art of journalism, let us see what Erie
county has done in the way of newspaper publications.

THE SANDUSKY REGISTER.

The journal now known as the Sandusky Register was founded in the year
1822 by David Campbell, a New England printer. An effort was made, how-
ever, in the year 1821, by this same person, associated with Adonijah Champ-
lin, to establish a paper in Sandusky, to be known as the Ohio Illuminator ,
but from lack of that substantial support so essential to the successful conduct
of a newspaper, or any other enterprise, the Illuminator never sent forth its
rays of light upon the people of the county.

The Sandusky Clarion , a weekly publication, succeeded the Illuminator
project, and made its first appearance on the 22d of April, 1822, David Camp-
bell acknowledging its paternity and assuming its maintenance. It was a
four-page sheet, four columns to the page, printed on what would now be
called coarse paper, and the advertisements and reading matter appeared in
much the same size and style of type. Under the name of the Clarion the
paper was continued until 1843, when Mr. Campbell issued a daily edition,
which he called the Daily Sa7iduskian.

After continuing for some years longer the proprietor sold the entire plant
to Earl Bill and Clark Waggoner. The former of these persons was afterward
chosen clerk of the United States District Court for the district of Northern
Ohio, while the latter became editor of the Toledo Blade. Still later he was on
the editorial staff of the Toledo Commercial , but at a quite recent day embarked
in the limitless field of history.

Messrs. Bill and Waggoner subsequently sold an interest in the paper to
Henry D. Cooke, and the firm style was thereupon changed to H. D. Cooke &
Co. Upon taking formal possession of the office this firm dropped the old
name and called the paper, in all its editions, The Commercial Register , three
editions, daily, tri- weekly and weekly, being printed. H. D. Cooke & Co.
continued the Register publications for some twelve years, when Mr. Cooke
retired to become the editor of the State Journal f Mr. Waggoner to accept a
position on the Toledo Blade , whereupon the paper passed into the hands of
Bill & Johnson.

The Commercial Register changed hands three or four times between 1855
and 1869. In the last named year Isaac F. Mack purchased a half interest,
and in 1870 the other half. He dropped the first part of the name, and since

The Erie County Press.

that time the paper has been called The Register. In 1874 John T. Mack be-
came a part owner, and for fourteen years the paper has been published under
the firm name of I. F. Mack & Bro. In 1882 a Sunday edition was started,
and since that date has been published every morning in the year. In 1869,
when the present editor took charge, the Register was an evening daily, but
he changed it to a morning paper in May, 1869.

The Register , from the time of its establishment to the death of that party,
was an ardent advocate of Whig principles. It became Republican in 1 S 5 6,
and has so since remained, being all these years the recognized organ of that
party in this county,

From the office of the Register are now issued four separate editions —
daily, Sunday, tri-weekly and weekly. The business department is in charge
of John T. Mack; Isaac F. Mack is editor-in-chief ; C. P. Caldwell has the
charge of the Sunday edition, and Charles Kline is in charge of the city de-
partment of the Daily Register.

THE MILAN FREE PRESS.

Second in the order of founding in the county was the newspaper carrying
the above head line. The paper was established at Milan in February, 1830,
under the editorial management and proprietorship of Warren Jenkins. Its
publication continued at that place for a single year only, after which the pro-
prietor moved to the county seat for the purpose of starting an anti-Masonic
paper. As to what end this last venture finally came we have no reliable in-
formation, but it seems to have failed of its main purpose in extinguishing
Free Masonry, judging from the present popularity of that order throughout
the county.

THE REPUBLICAN STANDARD.

The Standard came into existence as a weekly publication at Sandusky in
the year 1832 through the efforts of E. and J. H. Brown, and was intended to
be the “ organ ” of the Jacksonian Democracy, and especially to advocate the
cause of “Old Hickory.” But the Standard proved to be a short-lived journal,
and was soon discontinued.

THE HURON COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER.

On the 17th of January, 1837, the first number of the Advertiser made its
appearance, issuing from an office at Huron, and from the editorial manage*
ment of H. C. Gray. During the succeeding year the office was destroyed by
r!re, but in March, 1839, the paper again appeared and was published regu-
Wly until the year 1842, at which time the office was moved to Sandusky and
a new weekly paper issued under the heading of the Commercial Advertiser,
*he publishers being M. H. Snyder & Co. Sandusky seems to have been, at
that period at least, a no more profitable field for journalism than was Huron,

io1 mbU

- , : ''

1 82

History of Erie County.

for in the fall of the year of its removal to that place the Advertiser became
numbered among the evanescent journals of the county.

In the office of the paper while at Huron it seems that use was made of the
material of the Milan Times , a paper published at Milan, but of the precise
time of its birth or death, as a journal, no reliable information is obtainable.
George M. Swan is said to have been at one time connected with the paper,
and that he was, “ perhaps,” one of the original proprietors in connection with
Mr. Gray.

THE DEMOCRATIC MIRROR.

In December, 1842, William S. Mills and Sylvester Ross purchased the
material of the defunct Commercial Advertiser and issued the first number of
the Democratic Mirror , a weekly paper of Sandusky. These proprietors con-
tinued its publication with varying success until the year 1847, when John
Mackey, then recently admitted to the bar, but not yet in practice, became a
part owner in the office, and the firm was changed to Mills, Ross & Mackey.

Under the management of these gentlemen a daily was started, and iri
connection with the weekly edition was continued for about two years, or
until May, 1849, when Mr. Mackey retired from the firm to practice law, and
J. W. Taylor, better known as “ Signal Taylor,” took his place in the firm.
During the fall of this same year Mr. Ross was attacked with cholera and died.
Mills & Taylor continued the publication until 1852, when the latter retired,
leaving Mr. Mills sole editor and proprietor.

In the fall of 1853 the paper was sold to Joseph and Fielding Cable, father
and son, under whose control the name of both daily and weekly was changed
to the Bay City Mirror. The Cables published the Mirror but a short time
and then sold out to Asa Dimmock, and he soon afterwards to Ray Haddock.
About this time the daily edition was discontinued.

Charles Orton, formerly connected with the Norwalk Experiment, became
the owner and proprietor of the paper in May, 1856, but after two years’ ex-
perience in its publication disposed of it to his son, T. S. Orton, but one year
later its publication was suspended.

THE MILAN TRIBUNE.

In the year 1843, the Tribune as a newspaper of Erie county first saw the
light of day. It was founded by Clark Waggoner, who brought to Milan for
the purposes of the publication the materials formerly used by him in the pub
lication of the Lower Sandusky Whig. After publishing the Tribune , a weekly
paper, at Milan for something like eight years, Mr. Waggoner discontinued
operations at that place and became interested in the Sandusky Clarion , and
moved his stock to the building in which the Clarion was published in San-
dusky. Thus ended the life of the Milan Tribune. Mr. Waggoner subse-
quently severed his connection with the Clarion to assume an editorial position

■

The Erie County Press.

183

on the Toledo Blade , but at a still later day became connected with the Toledo
Commercial.

THE INTELLIGENCE BLATT (GERMAN).

This paper was established in the year 1851, by Augustus Reimmele and
Herman Ruess, and was the first German paper of the county. Mr. Ruess was
the editor, and his partner had charge of the business and mechanical depart-
ment The latter was killed by an accident on the old Mad River and Lake
Lrie Railroad, near Castalia, in September, 1857.

The paper was continued by Mr. Ruess, and Frederick Kelley until 1859,
when it passed by sale into the hands of Jacob Neuert, H. Hamelstein and
Charles Bachy. J. Lippart was the editor. In November of the same year,
1839, the paper was sold to Engle & Co., under whose ownership it was edited
by A. Thieme and Frederick Reidding. In May, 1861, the latter became sole
editor and proprietor. Until 1854 the Intelligente Blatt pinned its faith to the
Democratic party, but in the year named it became Republican in politics.
About the time of the war the publication of the paper was suspended.

THE BEACON.

This weekly paper made its first appearance at Huron in the year 1853, un-
der the proprietorship of Mr. Haddock ; but it seems to have been the more
remarkable for the short term of its existence, as it “ passed away” in the next
year, 1854.

THE BAYSTADT DEMOKRAT (GERMAN).

The Demokrat, the outgrowth of which is the present Sandusky Demokrat ,
was established at the county seat in 1856 by Louis Traub, and edited bv H.
Raw. In the fall of the same year the paper was sold to Frederick Hertel,
who thereupon became editor and publisher. It advocated the cause of the
Democracy.

In 1873 the property passed into the editorial control of William Senn, and
appeared under the name of the Sandusky Demokrat , by which it has ever since
been known. Two issues of the Demokrat are published each week — a semi-
weekly and weekly. It enjoys a very extensive circulation among the German
dement of this county, and in Ottawa, Sandusky, Huron and Lorain as well.

THE SANDUSKY JOURNAL AND LOCAL.

The Sandusky Journal was first established as a weekly newspaper in the
year 1866, in a job printing office conducted by Addison Kinney and Frank B.
Colver. This office was located in rooms over where Melville Bro.’s drug-store
■ at present situated, on the northeast corner of Columbia avenue and Market
Mreet

In the month of August of that year Messrs. Kinney and Colver were joined
by John C. Kinney, a brother of the former, and the first number of the Jour -

.V 1.33 3HT

History of Erie County.

184

mil was issued on August 16, 1866. The new paper was an eight column folio,
very neatly printed for the times, and was edited by John C. Kinney with vigor
and ability. At the end of six months Mr. Colver retired from the firm, and
the paper was conducted by Kinney Brothers until the 1st of January, 1868,
when M. F. McKelvev became associated in the firm, and a daily and tri-weekly
edition of the Journal , were established as an experiment. These editions were
continued with varying success until Mr. McKelvey went out of the firm in
September of the same year, when they were suspended. The Weekly Journal
was not affected by this event, however, but kept up its issues regularly as an
independent publication until the nomination of Horace Greeley for president
in 1872. It then espoused his cause, and became the exponent of Democratic
principles, which it always afterwards advocated.

In the year 1879, John C. Kinney, who had been its editor, felt compelled
by failing health to retire from active business, and at the close of that year the
Journal was sold to Frank and Charles A. Layman, who, on the 8th of Janu-
ary, 1880, issued the paper under the firm name of Layman Bros.

After his retirement from active business John C. Kinney acted as stenog-
rapher in the Court of Common Pleas, but later his failing health confined him
to home, and in a little over eight years after relinquishing control of the paper
of which he was one of the founders, he died at his residence in Sandusky, on
February 1, 1888, at the age of fifty- eight years.

Layihan Brothers, who were journalists from Columbus, concluded to re-
issue a daily edftifth of the Journal , which they didJn the form of a six-column
folio, on January 1, 1885, since which time it has continued with only a brief
interruption. In 1882 the office of publication was moved from 212 Columbus
avenue to the Ramsey block on Market street, in rooms formerly occupied by
the Sandusky Tribune and Sandusky Independent , the former paper having
been published a few years as a daily and weekly, and the latter only about
three months as a weekly.

The Layman Brothers sold out the establishment on March 1, 1886, to
Frank Stible and Felix Breen, who published the journal, daily and weekly, for
six weeks under the firm name of Stible & Breen. At the expiration of that
time Air. Stible purchased the interest of Mr. Breen, and continued to publish
both editions, employing E. P. Moore as editorial writer. Some time later, in
the year 1886, a Sunday edition was added, which appeared regularly several
months, when it ceased for want of adequate support.

In January, 1887, the Journal office met with a disaster by fire, which ne-
cessitated the suspension of the paper’s issue for some weeks, after which the
publication of the daily edition was resumed by Mr. Stible, and continued until
March 3, 1887, when the whole establishment passed by sale into the posses-
sion of A. E. Merrill and C. C. Bittner, and was consolidated with the Sandusky
Local , a daily and weekly newspaper which had been in existence as an oppo-
sition Democratic publication for several years.

The Erie County Press.

185

The Sa?idusky Local was founded as a weekly newspaper by Ernest King,,
jr., of Middletown, Conn., who at that time was one of the proprietors of the
Middletown Sentinel and Witness , one of the oldest publications in that State.
The first number of the Local was issued November 18, 1882, as an indepen-
dent weekly newspaper politically. It was a six-column quarto, with publica-
tion office in the third story of No. 212 Columbus avenue, in rooms formerly
occupied by the Sandusky Journal. The weekly issue of the Local met with
such continued success that a daily was projected and successfully published
by its proprietor, beginning on the 2d of April, 1883, as a six column folio.
The publication of the paper in these two editions was continued independent
in politics until November, 1884, when the paper espoused the cause of
Democracy, that party at the time having no daily paper to champion its prin-
ciples. In April, 1885, Mr. King finding that the newspaper property in
which he had an equal interest with his father in Middletown, Conn., de-
manded his personal attention, sold out the paper to F. P. Lyman and F. W.
Stevens, the latter having been an attachee of the office since the paper was
first issued. The first paper appearing under 'the proprietorship of the new
firm was dated April 27, 1885. In March, 1886, O. P. Wharton, a veteran
Democratic editor of Youngstown, O., was engaged as editorial writer and con-
tinued in such capacity during the proprietprship of Lyman & Stevens. In
July, 1886, Mr. King having sold his interest in his eastern paper, and desiring
to again enter the business in Sandusky, bought out the interest of Lyman &
Stevens, the services of Messrs. Wharton and Stevens being retained by Mr.
Ling. The paper continued under the proprietorship of Mr. King until March
3. 1887, when he received an advantageous offer from A. E. Merrill and C. C.
Bittner, who were desirous of uniting the two factions of the party by consoli-
dating the two opposing Democratic organs, and the consolidation wras there-
fore effected by the sale of the Local to these parties on the above date.

This purchase finished the publication of the I.ocal, as it did also that of
file Journal as a separate concern, the consolidated paper appearing on March
3. 1887, as the Sandusky Daily Journal and Local , and the weekly edition on
••larch 5, as the Weekly Journal and Local , under the firm name of Merrill &
Bittner.

At the time this co-partnership was formed, A. E. Merrill was filling the
offices of probate judge of the county and president of the Citizens’ National
Bank, so that the entire management of the paper devolved upon Mr. Bittner,
1 lawyer By profession, and who had previously held the position of justice of
^he peace, and member of the board of education, and, at this time, was one of
L*le ^cognized leaders of the Democracy of the county. O. P. Wharton w*as
'-'tamed by the new firm as editorial writer, as were also several of the attachees
' 1 both offices. The consolidated paper first appeared as a six-column folio,

the demands for advertising space was such that the new proprietor found

History of Erie County.

i 86

it necessary to enlarge ; therefore, in April the paper was issued as a seven
column folio. On June 23, Judge Merrill feeling convinced that the consoli-
dation of the two papers had accomplished a much desired end — the harmony
and good will of the two opposing factions of the party — sold out his interest
to the active partner of the establishment, Mr. Bittner, who continued as the
sole proprietor of the paper until November 14, 1887, when F. \Y. Stevens,
who had been connected with the office since the consolidation, and who at one
time was one of the proprietors of the Sandusky Local , formed a co-partner-
ship with Mr. Bittner by the purchase of an interest in the paper, which ap-
peared on the above date, under the proprietorship of Bittner & Stevens, and
has so since continued.

THE MILAN ADVERTISER.

From the statistical information furnished by Rowell’s Directory of Ohio
newspapers, it is learned that the Advertiser is a weekly paper, issued each
Saturday in size 30 by 44, and having a circulation of over five hundred. It
appears as a fact, but not upon the above quoted authority, that the Milan
Advertiser is issued only in this county, the type and press- work being per-
formed at Tiffin. W. B. Starbird, an attorney of Milan, is the resident editor.

A paper of this same name was founded in the year 1869, and was issued
through that part of the county as an advertising sheet, and without expense
to its readers. In the year following it became a subscription paper at one
dollar per annum, but subsequently the price was raised to a dollar and fifty
cents. Several changes and enlargements were made in the size of the paper
to keep step with its increasing circulation. Of this newspaper the present
Advertiser is the outgrowth.

THE HURON REPORTER.

In the year 1879 the Reporter made its first appearance. At the present
day it appears as a weekly (Thursday) publication, 30 by 44 in size, with a
circulation of something over five hundred copies, and under the management
of D. H. Clock as editor and publisher.

THE SANDUSKY TRIBUNE.

On the 30th of April, 1879, the first issue of the Daily Tribune made it=
appearance in Sandusky, under the editorial control of C. M. Brown & Co.
Some six weeks later from the same office there came a weekly edition, and*
added to that, after an interval of about two months, a tri-weekly was issued.
But the enterprise proved unsuccessful from a business point of view. The daily
was continued for about a year, and suspended in February, 1SS0. The week!)'
and tri-weekly editions were maintained until the year 1881, when they d is
appeared from the sight of the reading public. Brown sold the enterprise to
Howe & Rutledge, and it was under the latter management that publication
was suspended.

The Bench and Bar.

187

THE INDEPENDENT.

The Independent succeeded the Tribune , and was published in the rooms
■occupied by its predecessor. Its first number appeared in April, 1881, and its
last in July of the same year. It was edited by G. W. Rutlege, one of the
proprietors of the defunct Tribune . The Independent was a weekly publica-
tion.

THE SATURDAY GAZETTE.

The Saturday Gazette is the youngest occupant of the journalistic field in
Brie county. It was established in Sandusky county, in October, 1886, by C.
C. Hand and W. I. Jackson, but the latter on January 1, 1887, became sole edi-
tor and owner. It was the aim of the founders to establish a paper that should
be free from political bias, and become useful especially as a clean family
paper. Among the special features of the Gazette one entire page is devoted
to musical, dramatic, and athletic news ; another to humorous sketches and
choice clippings from the spicy and popular writers of the day.

The Gazette seems to be established on a sound basis and determined “to
stay,” notwithstanding the misfortunes that have overtaken previously founded
weekly journals in the county.

In connection with the press, in general, of the county, it may be well
enough to mention the Mercury , a Sunday paper published for a very brief
time in Sandusky by J. L. Sweeny. It was started in 1879, but did not long
continue — long enough, however. And in this same connection there may be
made mention of the several publications of the socialists of Berlin township,
but, fortunately, their end was timely, as they were conducive of no good
results, nor are we aware that, during their brief but eventful career, they did
any special injury to the good people of that locality.

The socialistic publications were the Age of Freedom, the Social Revolu-
tionist, the Good Time Coming , the New Republic , The Optimist , and Kingdom
of Heaven , The Principia , or Personality , the New Campaign , and the Toledo
Sun, the last named having been removed to this locality in 1875.

CHAPTER XV.

BENCH AND BAR.

IT was many years after the organization of Ohio before the northern por-
tion of the State had either bench or bar, and for a long time after the ter-
ritorial government had ceased, the only courts known were the Indian coun-

1 88

History of Erie County.

cil and the court martial, while the bar consisted of the feathered chief and the
uniformed commander.

The jurisprudence of the State, as of all the northern territory embraced in
the Virginia cession, was founded on the common law of England, modified
and construed by the several charters of King James I to the early settlers of
Virginia, and by the ordinance of 1787. In 1793, by the Territorial Legisla
ture, a statute was adopted from Virginia declaring “ that the common law of
England and all statutes made in aid of the common law prior to the fourth
year of James I, which were of a general nature, should be a rule of decision
until repealed.” By the second section of the act of February 22, 1805, this
act was repealed, but by the first section of the act was re-enacted ; it was
again repealed January 2, 1806. So it may safely be said that the British
statutes never had any effect in Ohio save as adopted by the Legislature, [i
Chase, 190, 512, 528.] The English common law, however, so far as reason-
able in itself, suitable to the condition and business of our people, and consist-
ent with the letter and spirit of the Federal and State constitutions and stat-
utes, ever has been and is followed by our courts and may be said to constitute
a part of the common law of Ohio. [2 O. S. 387.]

After the organization of the State by the adoption of the constitution of
1802, the written law of Ohio may be said to have commenced, but the prac-
tice was far from uniform, and it was not until 1845, when the able work of
Joseph R. Swan, whose name needs no title to the bar of Ohio, Practice and
Precedents, was published, that uniformity began to prevail with either bench
or bar. Previous to that time, paraphrasing from the preface of that able work,
most of the members of the bar and bench, whose opinions moulded our judi-
cial system, had pursued their legal studies in other States of the Union, and
brought with them a high respect for the practice and decisions of the courts
where they were educated. Almost all the States of the Union had been thus
represented at our bar and upon our bench, and had produced a very great
diversity of law in different parts of the State. In truth, a local common law
existed to some extent in each judicial circuit. In one the English common
law was looked to as the only pure fountain ; in another the common law of
England was modified by the laws of New York ; in another the common law
of Massachusetts ; in another of Connecticut ; in another of Pennsylvania. The
statutes of the State indicated the same heterogeneousness. The practice act
came from New Jersey ; the attachment law from Pennsylvania; the adminis-
tration law from Massachusetts, and the non-imprisonment act from New York.
This state of things sometimes gave rise to divisions of opinion in the court,
in bank, and often subjected the adjudications to severe and unjust criticism.

It is certainly no disparagement to the many able jurists who aided in giv-
ing to Ohio a uniform and perfect system of jurisprudence, to say that to Judge
Swan is the bench and bar of Ohio most indebted for the desirable consum

The Bench and Bar.

189

m.ition ; and his work at once became the law of practice to bench and bar
. roughout the State, and remained so until the enactment of the code of civil
rocedure in 1853, after the adoption of the Constitution of 1851.

The common law as to crimes, and the mode of procedure in criminal cases,
a as never in force in Ohio — all this was the matter of legislative enactments.
[1 0. 132, 2 O. S. 3S7. 100. S. 287.]

The history of the various revisions and codifications of the statutory law
and modes of procedure within Ohio is interesting, and is so concisely and ac-
curately stated in the preface to the first addition of the revised statutes made
by the codifying commission, appointed under the act of March 27, 1875, and
published in 1880, that we copy literally :

“The first revision was made during the session of the Legislature hel^l at
Chillicothe, in 1804-5, at which all the laws, with few exceptions, adopted by
the governor and judges, or enacted by the Legislature under the territorial
government were repealed. That revision embraced statutes for the adminis-
tration of justice, the conveyance of property, the collection of the revenue, the
organization of the militia and the punishment of crime, and other statutes pre-
viously adopted or enacted were amended and re-enacted.

“ With these statutes for a basis other legislatures followed the example,
and accordingly, the laws were revised at the session of 1809-18 10, the ses-
sion of 1815-1816, the session 1823-1824 and the session of 1830-1831, each
revision being an improvement on that which preceded it, the practice and
other remedial statutes gradually becoming more liberal and the penal enact-
ments more humane.

“Ini 83 5 the statute relating to felonies was again revised and further pro-
vision was made to simplify the practice, and in 1840 an act relating to the
settlement of the estates of deceased persons, based on the statute of Massa-
chusetts, was prepared by Joseph R. Swan and enacted by the General Assem-
bly. The principal part of it has remained without change to the present day.
At the same session the statutes in relation to wills, elections and other sub-
lets, were revised.

“ Meanwhile the statutes had become so numerous and had fallen into such
confusion that a systematic republication of the laws in force had become a
necessity. Fortunately the work was undertaken by one competent for the
^sk, and it is only just to say that with the material before him, and in the ab-
sence of all power to change it, perhaps no other man would have been able to
produce a collection of our statutes so admirable in all that pertains to the
*'ork of an editor, as Swan’s Statutes of 1841. In 18 54-5, in i860 and in 1868,
Judge Swan performed the same task of collecting and arranging the statutes
•n force, the notes to the edition of i860 having been prepared by Leander J.
Critchfield, and the notes to the edition of 1 868 by Milton Sayler. While these
editions of the statutes have now become comparatively useless, they are none

190

History of Erie County.

the less monuments to the industry and ability of the gentlemen who were en-
gaged in their preparation.

“ In this connection it will not be out of place to notice a collection of the
statutes of a more permanent character. In 1833-1835 (subsequently Chief
Justice) Chase prepared an edition of the statutes. It included the territorial
laws, whether adopted by the governor and judges, or enacted by the Territo-
rial Legislatures and the statutes down to and including those of 1833. This
embraced seven volumes of territorial laws and thirty volumes of the statute-
of the State, and the whole was republished in chronological order in three vol-
umes. The work was continued on substantially the same plan by Maskell E.
Curwen, who republished in four volumes, the general laws from 1834 to i860,
inclusive. Since the death of Mr. Curwen, the work has been continued by J.
R. Sayler, who has republished, in four volumes, the general laws from 1861 to
1875, inclusive.

“ It will thus be seen that the statutes of Chase, Curwen and Sayler — all
admirably edited — are a republication of all the general laws adopted or en
acted under the territorial and State governments from 1788 to 1875, inclu-
sive, in the order of the original publication. While only a very small number
of the statutes which these volumes contain remains in force, the remarks of
Judge Chase with respect to them, in his first volume are entirely just. ‘ Many
questions of right and remedy,’ said he, ‘depend upon the provisions of re-
pealed statutes. In’ reference to such questions the examination of the whole
series of laws affecting them is a matter of absolute necessity. In addition to
this, a knowledge of the acts repealed is often essential to a correct understand-
ing of the law in force. No lawyer, nor intelligent legislator ought to be sat
isfied with knowing what the law is, uni iss he also knows what the law has
been.”

“ Recurring to the subject of codification, it is evident that it had engaged
the attention of the people to some extent, previous to the adoption of the
present constitution. Provision was made in that instrument for a commission,
and it was ordained that ‘said commissioners shall revise, reform, simplify, and
abridge the practice, pleadings, forms, and proceedings of the courts of record
•of this State ; and as far as practicable and expedient shall provide for tlw
.abolition of the distinct forms of actions at law now in use, and for the admin
istration of justice by a uniform mode of proceeding, without reference to any
distinction between law and equity.’

“ In obedience to that provision an act was passed and William Kennon.
William S. Groesbeck, and Daniel O. Morton were appointed commissioner*
They confined their labors to the subject of practice in civil cases, and reported
what was known as the code of civil procedure, to the fiftieth General Assem

bly, and that body on March 11, 1853, adopted it Though

somewhat changed in language and arrangement, the principal part of it re-
mains substantially as it was reported by those commissioners.

■

The Bench and Bar.

“ With the growth of the State in population and wealth, the annual vol-
umes of the general laws increased in size until the statutes of a general nature,
in force, exceed two thousand in number. The subject of codification then
be,Tan to attract attention here as in other places. In 1869 a bill prepared by
Senators Charles H. Scribner, Daniel B. Linn, and Homer Everett, codifying
the statutes in relation to municipal corporations, became a law, as did also a
bill embodying a code of criminal procedure, which had been prepared by Sen-
ator Frank H. Hurd. The subject was further agitated and finally, in 1874,
Representative George W. Boyce, of Hamilton county, introduced a bill pro-
viding for such codification. Subsequently, Senator Lucian C. Jones, of Trum-
bull, Trumbull county, introduced a bill on the same subject, which, on March
-7* 1875, became a law. [72 v. 87]. The following are its leading features:

“The governor was required, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, to appoint three competent commissioners to revise and consolidate the
general statutes of the State, and he was authorized to fill any vacancy in the
commission.

“ In performing the duty the commissioners were required to bring together
all the statutes and parts of statutes relating to the same matter, omitting re-
dundant and obsolete enactments, and such as had no influence on existing
rights or remedies, and making alterations to reconcile contradictions, supply
omissions, and amend imperfections in the original acts, so as to reduce the
general statutes into as concise and comprehensive a form as might be con-
sistent with clear expression of the will of the General Assembly, rejecting all
equivocal and ambiguous words and circuitous and tautological phraseology.

“ They were required to arrange the statutes under suitable titles, divisions,
subdivisions, chapters, and sections, with head notes briefly expressive of the
matter contained therein, with marginal notes of the contents of each section,
with reference to the original act from which it was compiled, and foot notes of
the decisions of the Supreme Court upon the same ; and they were required
t> report the whole, in print, to the general assembly for its adoption.

“ On the day of the passage of the bill Governor Allen appointed, and the
Senate unanimously confirmed, Michael A. Daugherty, Luther Day, and John
W- Okey as the commissioners. Commissions were issued to them on that
Jay. and immediately thereafter they entered upon their duties. Judge Day
continued to be a member of the commission until February 1, 1S76, when he
^signed, having been appointed a member of the Supreme Court commission,
•*nd John S. Brasee was appointed by Governor Hayes to fill the vacancy,
*nd Judge Okey continued to be a member of the commission until November
9. 1 877, when he resigned, having been elected a judge of the Supreme Court,
°ud George B. Okey was appointed by Governor Young to fill the vacancy.

°ther changes were made in the commission.”

The codified or revised statutes consist of four parts. The first part (Polit-

- p*1

■ealiu

History of Erie County.

ical) contains the enactments which are organic, being the frame-work and
machinery of our government; the second part (Civil) relates to person and
property ; the third part (Remedial) includes everything connected with civil
procedure in all the courts; and the fourth part (Penal) embraces the pro-
visions relating to crimes, criminal procedure, and jails and the penitentiary

Constitutio?i of 1802. — Under the Constitution of 1802 the judicial power
of the State, both as to matters of law and equity, was vested in a Supreme
Court, in Court of Common Pleas for each county, in justices of the peace, and
in such other courts as the Legislature might establish. Under this latter pro-
vision the Circuit Courts were established.

The Supreme Court consisted of three judges — two of whom formed a
quorum. It had original and appellate jurisdiction, both in law and in chan-
cery, in such cases as the Legislature might direct, and which would be beyond
the province of this chapter to enumerate. The Legislature was empowered
to add another judge to the number after five years, and in that event the
judges were authorized to divide the State into two circuits within which any
two could hold court.

The Courts of Common Pleas consisted of a president-* and two associate
judges. The State was required by law to be divided into three circuits with
a president judge for each circuit, and not “more than three nor less than two”
associate judges for each county. Any three of these judges constituted a
quorum and composed the Court of Common Pleas, and had common law and
chancery jurisdiction, and also jurisdiction of all probate and testamentary mat
ters and of guardians and minors, and of criminal cases. Clerks were appointed
by the court for a term of seven years. Power was conferred on the Legisla-
ture to increase the number of circuits and of the president judges after the
expiration of five years. The Supreme Court was required to be held once a
year in each county.

All judges were appointed by a joint ballot of both houses of the Genera!
Assembly, and held office for the term of seven years, “if so long they behaved
well.”

Justices of the peace were elected in each township and held office for three
years. Their “powers and duties" were “regulated and defined by law.”

THE BENCH OF THE COUNTY.

By the act that completed the civil organization of Erie county it was pro-
vided that the first Court of Common Pleas should be held on the second Mon-
day in December, 1838, yet there is a record of the holding of a court in April
prior to that time. There appears not to have been present any president
judge, and the proceedings were conducted by Moses Farwell, Nathan Strong,
and Harvey Fowler, the associate justices. These proceedings, however, were
brief, no cases beincr tried.

The Bench and Bar.

During the time that Erie county was attached to Huron it appears that
Judge David Higgins was upon the bench of the Common Pleas Court. He
was succeeded by Judge Ozias Bowen, of Marion county, who presided for a
number of years, and until he was replaced by Judge Myron H. Tilden, of
Toledo, but formerly of Norwalk.

Next in the succession came Judge Ebenezer B. Sadler, of Sandusky City,
who went upon the bench in 1847, anc^ so continued until the adoption of the
new constitution by which he was legislated out of office.

The above named comprise all the common pleas judges that presided over
that court in this county prior to the constitution of 1852. Judge Sadler was
the first president upon the bench that was a resident of Erie county, and the
only such prior to the new constitution, but in after years this county was as
well represented upon the bench of the courts as any in the district, excepting,
perhaps, Lucas county.

After the adoption of the new constitution Erie county was placed in the
first subdivision of the fourth common pleas district, the other counties being
Huron, Sandusky, Ottawa, and Lucas. The first president judge in this sub-
division was Lucius Otis, then of Fremont but now of the city of Chicago.
Judge Otis served one term of five years, and was succeeded by Judge Sebas-
tian F. Taylor, a prominent lawyer of Erie county. He served two terms of
five years each, and was himself succeeded by Walter F. Stone, of Sandusky.
The constitution provided for the selection of an additional law judge to be
chosen whenever the business of the sub-division should warrant it. It was
during Judge Otis’s term of office that this provision was carried into effect by
the selection of Judge John Fitch, of Toledo, in 1854. Other additional law
judges were from time to time appointed, among them Samuel T. Wooster, of
Norwalk, and John L. Green, of Fremont. The latter is still judge in the dis-
trict.

Judge Stone continued on the bench as president judge for some years,
when he was advanced to the Supreme Court bench. He was succeeded by
William G. Lane, of Sandusky, but, on account of failing health the latter was
compelled to retire, whereupon Cooper K. Watson, of Sandusky, followed him.
Judge Watson died in office, and John Mackey was appointed his successor.
By appointment and two subsequent elections, Judge Mackey held this office
for nearly seven years. Next in the line of succession came the present incum-
bent, Judge J. L. De Witt, of Sandusky, who assumed the office in February,
*887.

The first sub-division of the Fourth District remains now as originally
formed, and the courts therein are presided over by five common pleas judges,
three in Toledo and two in the other counties comprising the subdivision.
These judges are as follows: Louis H. Pike, David H. Commager, and Reuben
C- Lemmon, of Toledo; John L. Green, of Fremont, and J. L. De Witt, of
Sandusky.

It , q„ |i i- lull 01 bsf! >' JJc «r.w v.Jfiuoo ah 3 .'Kris are

194

History of Erie County.

THE OLD ERIE COUNTY BAR.

Elsewhere in this work will be found a detail of the events that made per-
fect the organization of this county, and it is only the province of this particu-
lar portion of this chapter to refer to and mention, in some manner, those per-
sons who were identified with the practice at the bar of the courts, and who were
residents of the county. To be sure there were the inevitable “circuit riders,’’
lawyers who lived in other counties, but who were always in attendance upon
every court, and who controlled a fair share of the business thereof. This was
not through any weakness of the resident attorneys, but rather in verification of
the old proverb, “a prophet is not without honor save in his own country.-’
These circuit riders were for many years in attendance upon every court and in
every locality. They managed to get a certain amount of the “catch practice,”
most generally in the criminal branch, and were sometimes called into a case
by the attorney of record, and served in the capacity of associate counsel. In
this manner they could pick up enough business to pay expenses, and some-
times a little more. But the circuit rider was almost a necessity; not, how-
ever, in the light of the adage that “necessity knows no law,” as they numbered
among them some of the brighest trial lawyers of the times.

At this period of which we write, the early days of the county, there were
but few, if any, resident practicing attorneys of much prominence except the
firms of Parish & Sadler (Francis D. Parish and Ebenezer B. Sadler), and
Beecher & Campbell (Lucas S. Beecher and John F. Campbell), all of Sandusky
City; also Ebenezer Andrews and Philip R. Hopkins of Milan. Elentheros
Cooke had been a prominent attorney of Sandusky, and a pioneer of the pro-
fession; but at the time of which we write was practically retired from active
practice to engage in other pursuits. He was an able man and lawyer, and
possessed of unusual oratorical power. He drifted into the sea of politics, and
represented the Fourteenth District in the Twenty-second Congress. He was,
moreover, one of the most prominent men, in every step looking to the ad-
vancement and welfare of the county, and contributed generously of his means
and advice to every worthy enterprise. Hence his popularity.

William H. Hunter, more commonly known as “Colonel” Hunter, was nom-
inally a lawyer, but more of a politician. In 1835 he was collector of customs
at this port, and in 1836 was elected to Congress.

John Wheeler is also remembered as a lawyer, though he was content to
rest his professional career on the office of justice of the peace, which he held
for a number of years.

Of these old pioneers of the profession but two are now living, Hon. E. B*
Sadler and John Campbell, the latter, however, is not a resident of the county.
He took a somewhat unusual course for a lawyer, in that he afterward became
a minister of the gospel, and is now understood to fill the most honorable office
of bishop of the Lutheran Church in Virginia.

mmr*

The Bench and Bar.

195

Francis Drake Parish was a man of Puritanical stripe. He was honest, con-
scientious, faithful, and zealous in his profession and in every good work. He
possessed a moral firmness that could not be excelled ; a man of good acquire-
ments and legal abilities; a man who hated iniquity and despised meanness; a
strong religionist, a temperance tetotaler, and a strong abolitionist when that
outspoken sentiment meant personal and professional unpopularity. Mr. Par-
ish had the courage to avow his sentiments in this regard even in the face of an
excited and howling mob.

This man was a native of New York State, born in the year 1796. When
twenty- four years old he came to Columbus, O., where he read law, and where,
in 1822, he was admitted to the bar. In the same year he came to Sandusky
City and commenced practice, which he continued until the year 1852 when he
retired from the hard work of the profession on account of a bronchial affec-
tion. In 1875 he left Erie county and removed to Lorain county, where he
died a short time ago.

Lucas Selkirk Beecher was born in New Haven county, Conn., on the 3 1st of
March, 1798. At the age of about thirteen years he was maimed by the loss of
a leg. When about eighteen years old, with his parents he became a resident of
Genesee county, N. Y. The early education of Mr. Beecher was received at
the common schools and at the village academy. After coming to reside in
Genesee county he taught the village school. Later he entered the office of
Hopkins and Beecher at Canaseraga, where he studied the law until the year
1824, when he was. admitted to the bar, after which he began the practice at
Williamsport, Pa. Two years later in the year 1828, Mr. Beecher came to San-
dusky, where he formed a law partnership with Hon. Elentheros Cooke.

No sooner had our subject become fairly established in professional busi-
ness at this place than a terrible misfortune befel him ; he became totally
blind. After a time under the invitation of kind friends he went to the City of
New York for treatment, hoping that his eyesight might be restored, which, in
a measure, was accomplished — sufficiently to allow him to resume his practice
and read and write a little.

Returning after some months to Sandusky Mr. Beecher formed a copart-
nership with John F. Campbell, who also subsequently became totally blind,
and was obliged to retire from the profession. Mr. Beecher then associated
himself with Pitt Cooke, and subsequently Cuyler Leonard, and finally in 1853
with his son, John T. Beecher, which latter firm continued until the death of
its senior member in the year 1882.

Disabled as he was, when just entering upon the threshold of successful
practice, nevertheless, he rose to a height which enabled him to easily maintain
his position as a leader in this most difficult of all professions. We take pride
in rendering this tribute of regard to the memory of a man so deservedly hon-
ored by the profession as an example of the success which can be achieved by

■ ■■ '

) IB 3V/ 9

History of Erie County.

an earnest man, full of a great purpose, striving against a fate which usually be-
numbs the faculties and palsies the energies of its victims.

John F. Campbell the law partner of Lucas S. Beecher, is remembered as
being a man of light complexion, young, smart, active, facetious, witty and pos-
sessed of a keen sense of the ludicrous. About the year 1840 he had an at-
tack of sore eyes that unfitted him for professional work, and in fact rendered
him partially blind for a time at least. He quit the practice of law and went
to Pennsylvania. After a time his eyesight was restored, and he studied for
and entered the ministry of the Lutheran Church, and subsequently became a
resident of the State of Virginia. Still later he became a bishop of the church.

He seems to have met with decided success in his new calling; but those
that knew him well as a lawyer say that he was the last man they ever dreamed
would finally become a clergyman. He evidently followed the command to
“multiply and replenish the earth,” for when last heard from his family con-
prised a wife and nine children.

Ebenezer Andrews of Milan, was a plain, sensible, unassuming man, and a
fair and honest lawyer. He was probate judge of the county from 1852 to 1855.
He died many years ago.

John N. Sloane entered upon the practice of law in 1840. His regular oc-
cupation, however, was that of merchant. He died September 24, 1881.

Hon. Ebenezer Lane, unquestionably the most distinguished and most hon-
ored of the many gentlemen of the legal profession that have practiced at the
bar of the courts of this county, became a resident of Sandusky in the year
1842, two years after the civil organization of the county was made complete.

Judge Lane was born in Connecticut, in the year 1793. He was educated
at the University of Cambridge, and afterward read law with his uncle Judge
Matthew Griswold, of Lyme, Conn. He commenced the practice of law in the
year 1814, at Norwich, Conn., but in 1S17 came to the Western Reserve dur-
ihg the same year. In 1819 he moved to Norwalk, the county seat of Huron
county, having previously been appointed prosecuting attorney for that county.
At Columbia in 1822 he was admitted to practice in the United States Circuit
Court. Soon after he was appointed Common Pleas Judge of the Second Cir-
cuit, and continued in office six years, when he was appointed judge of the Su-
preme Court of the State, sitting first in that capacity in 1830. He was reap-
pointed in 1837, but resigned his commission eight years later.

It was during his life upon the bench that Judge Lane became a resident of
Sandusky City. After thirteen years of residence here he moved to Chicago,
having accepted the appointment as counsel and resident director of the Cen-
tral Railroad of Illinois, an office that was ably filled by him for nearly fourteen
years. After having severed his connection with the railroad company Judge
Lane made an extended tour of Europe, returning to this country in April,
i860. He lived but six years longer, and died on the 12th of June, 1S66.

The Bench and Bar.

197

In 1850 Judge Lane received the degree of Doctor of Laws from Harvard
University. In 1856 he was elected a member of the New England His-
torical and Genealogical Society, also he was a member of the New York
Historical Society, the Ohio Historical Society and the Chicago Historical
Society.

Another of the pioneers of the legal profession in Erie county was Philip B.
Hopkins, of Milan. He was, at the time of the county’s organization, fully
up to, if not past the middle age of life. His practice was by no means
confined to Milan, as he was frequently at Huron, and also in the counties
adjoining.

Counselor Hopkins was a clear- minded, shrewd and practical lawyer, and
possessed, moreover, an almost inexhaustible fund of natural humor. His witti-
cisms were never forced, but seemed to spring from his lips involuntarily, and
none seemed more surprised at their sound and effect than he. An amusing
anecdote will clearly show what manner of man he was.

One day at the dinner-table in the Mansion House at Sandusky, were gath-
ered a number of legal lights, and among them the irrepressible Hopkins. Some
allusion was made to a certain lawyer from a distant county not at all remark-
able for his legal learning, and Joseph M. Root, another prominent lawyer of
this county, asked Major Hopkins if he knew how this man came to be a law-
yer ? “No,” said Hopkins, “I don’t.” “Well,” says Root, “he was a sort of
peddler in a one-horse wagon, and carried around with him Swan’s Treatise,
and so caught the law just as a person would catch the itch or measles.”
“Well,” answered the Major, “it never broke out on him much, and they say
it is worse when it strikes in.”

One day Hopkins and Mr. Andrews were trying a case before Judge Sad-
ler, Hopkins for the plaintiff, and Andrews on the defense. In presenting the
testimony Hopkins constantly asked leading questions, which Andrews object-
ed to ; but as the former did not seem to get along very well without, he was
allowed to proceed ; but when Andrews called his first witness he very properly
^ked him a leading question, directing his attention to the subject matter in
controversy, to which Hopkins objected. What is your objection ? It is lead-
,ng. The court remarked to him pleasantly, that he thought he was the last
roan to object to leading questions. He replied, “I am the last man, I just
did it.”

Joseph M. Root is also remembered as one of the early lawyers of Erie
county. He came from New York State and read with William H. Hunter,.
and then opened an office for practice. Afterward he located at Norwalk, and
ff°m there was elected to Congress, first in 1845, and was twice thereafter re-
jected, the last time while residing in this county, to which he had returned.
This was in 1849. He practiced here a number of years after his term of office
expired but is now dead.

198

History of Erie County.

William H. Hunter was a somewhat prominent figure in the profes-
sion and he too represented the district in Congress during the year 1837-
1839-

Justin H. Tyler will also be remembered by the old residents of Huron
township especially. He was a Massachusetts Yankee, but came to this Stat
from New York. He was located at Huron early in the forties but left in a feu
years and became a resident of Henry county where he now lives.

Rush R. Sloane was born in Sandusky. He read law with F. D. Parish,
and was admitted at Mansfield, Ohio, in 1849. He retired from practice to
assume the duties of the office of probate judge, to which he was elected in
1857. He was re-elected in 1S60, but resigned in April, 1861, to accept the
appointment from President Lincoln, as general agent of the post-office de-
partment and located with headquarters at Chicago.

Beside these who have been mentioned in the above sketches, there are a
few others who were members of the old bar and who are members of the pres-
ent bar of the county, in which latter connection notice of them will be found.
And it is possible that in the recollection of these pioneers of the profession,
the names of some may, through inadvertence, have been omitted, and it may
be true too, that some of the itinerant characters may have been entirely over-
looked. There is, in every profession, and the legal is not exempt from it.
some evanescent characters, some who have branched off into other pursuits,
some who perhaps may have fallen by the wayside, and to the profession have
become lost. But as the years came and went, the county grew more popu-
lous and of course the ranks became swelled in numbers, and among them may
be found the names of men well known throughout the entire county. In the
year 1855, seventeen years after the organization of the county, it is found that
the profession, in the city of Sandusky, was represented in the legal profession
about as follows : Samuel Minor, who afterward went to Los Angeles, Cal. .

O. C. McLouth, who was clerk of the courts from 1870 to 1875, an<^ prior to
that was prosecuting attorney from 1856 to i860; John Mackey, a mention 01
whom will be found among the members of the present bar ; Counselors Mc-
Louth and Mackey were law partners in 18855. Lane, Stone and Lane were
partners, the firm being composed of Hon. Ebenezer Lane, Walter F. Stone
and William G. Lane. Concerning Judge Ebenezer Lane mention has already
been made. Walter F. Stone, like the senior partner of the firm, became judge
of the Common Pleas and also judge of the Supreme Court. He died in Cali-
fornia. William G. Lane was the son of Ebenezer Lane. In 1843 he 'va"
graduated from Yale College, after which he attended the Harvard Law School
He further prosecuted his legal study under the instruction of the best Ger-
man professors, at Berlin, after which he returned to this country and became
professionally associated with his father, who, during the son’s absence, had
been a resident of Sandusky. In 1873 Mr. Lane became judge of the Coni-

■

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199

non Pleas for the fourth judicial district. Judge Lane died at Sandusky on

28th day of October, 1878.

Alonzo W. Hendry, better known as Judge Hendry, from the fact of his
' iving been, from 1863 to 1870, the probate judge of the county, was born in
Krie county, N. Y., and came to Lorain county in 1834. He was admitted to
the bar in 1842 and came to Sandusky in 1843. He is now virtually retired
»>om practice. At a period earlier than that mentioned Mr. Hendry was prom-
inently before the people of the county, as he was from 1848 until 1852, the
prosecuting attorney of the county. Besides his political holdings Judge
Hendry has been for many years a prominent figure in the affairs of the
city.

George Reber is remembered as a good trial lawyer, and although he seems
not to have been conspicuous as an office holder, he nevertheless enjoyed a
fair share of the legal practice and was connected with many of the leading
cases. He is now dead.

John J. Finch has been a member of the legal profession for many years
but the greater part of his time has been devoted to other pursuits. At the
present time he holds the responsible position of collector of customs for the
port of Sandusky.

William Tilden had, at the time of which we speak, an office at the corner
of Market street and Columbus avenue, where he practiced for some time. He
afterward moved to Cincinnati and is now deceased.

Lawrence Wier was another of the old bar, and had an office at No. 66
Railroad street.

Another of the old firms of the city was that of Converse, Giddings & Bige-
•°w. Only one of these partners, J. G Bigelow, is now known to the profes-
sion in the county, and he is retired from its active, arduous work.

John G. Miller had an office on the same floor as is now occupied by the
city fathers. He is not now living.

The firm of Camp & Leonard was composed of John G. Camp, jr., a son of
Major Camp, one of the proprietors of the town, and Cuyler Leonard. Their
o??:ce was located at No. 128 Water street. Neither partner of this firm is now
•iving in the county.

There were others, of course, who were in active practice at the time,
IJ*55> and all are mentioned in some manner in this chapter. A majority
*re joined with “the great majority” while a few are yet in practice. These
•alter will be found mentioned in the sketches of the members of the present
bar.

SKETCHES OF MEMBERS OF THE PRESENT BAR.

Hon. E. B. Sadler.1 Judge Sadler certainly stands to day, the senior mem

1 Since deceased.

200

History of Erie County.

ber of the Erie county bar, his connection therewith having covered a period
of more than a half century.

Ebenezer Brown Sadler was born in the town of Grafton, State of Massa-
chusetts,on the 16th of November, 1808. When he was five years old his pa-
rents moved to New Hampshire, where they remained only two years, and
then went to Geneva, N. Y., traveling the entire distance in sleighs. After a
year’s residence at Geneva the family again moved, this time to a town in Erie
county, N. Y., fifteen miles east of Buffalo. Three years later they moved to
Lima, Livingston county.

At the age of eighteen years young Sadler bought his “ time ” of his father
and started out to make his own way in life. During 'the summer months he
worked as he could find employment and the winter found him at school. This
continued until he was qualified for teaching, which occupation he then followed,
devoting his leisure time, however, to the study of the law with Hon. John
Dickson, of West Bloomfield, N. Y., then member of Congress from Ontario
county. In this way he was engaged some three or four years, when, in May,
1835, he started west.

For some time Mr. Sadler traveled about, visiting various localities, but
finally settled down at Sandusky city. He entered the law office of Francis D.
Parish, where he further prosecuted his legal study until the month of July, 1836,
at which time he was admitted to practice. A partnership was then formed
with Mr. Parish, which relation was maintained until the year 1847, when our
subject was appointed judge of the Common Pleas Court for the circuit com-
prising the counties of Huron, Erie, Sandusky, Ottawa, Lucas, Seneca, Wood
and Henry. By the adoption of the new constitution of 1852, Judge Sadler
was legislated out of office. He then returned to his profession and so con-
tinued until his appointment as postmaster at Sandusky city, in which capac-
ity he served about two years, but was then removed on account of the fact
that he would not lend himself and his official position to certain political
schemes, and A. C. Van Tine was nominated as his successor.

In 1867 Judge Sadler was nominated and elected State Senator, serving
in the Upper House of the Legislature two years. After his term expired he
returned to professional work. In 1875 he formed a law partnership with
his son, Charles W. Sadler, which firm relation has ever since been main-
tained.

Homer Goodwin. This well known member of the Erie county bar is a
native of Ohio, born on the 15th day of October, 1819. His father was a phy-
sician of Burton, Geauga county, but resided during the youth of our subject,
on a farm, and here Homer passed the days of boyhood and youth. He re-
ceived an academic education, and in 1840 entered the Western Reserve Col-
lege, then in Summit county, where he pursued a regular classical course ot
study and was graduated in July, 1S44, receiving the the degrees of A. B

The Bench and Bar.

201

and A. M. He then read the law under the instruction of Judge Peter Hitch-
cock, a well known and able lawyer of Geauga county, but during his legal
studies Mr. Goodwin was, for a time, engaged in teaching school. After two
years at Columbus, O., he was admitted to the bar. This was in 1846. He
at once commenced practice at Burton, but in June of the following year,
1847, came to Sandusky and became a member of the Erie county bar. Dur-
ing his forty-two years of practice in this county Mr. Goodwin has been
connected with many of the most important cases tried therein.

Hon. John Mackey. Judge Mackey was born in Warren county, New
Jersey, on the 7th of January, 1818, and became a resident of Milan township,
to which place his parents and family moved in the year 1837. Our subject
was educated in the common schools and the academy at Milan, and com-
menced, in 1843, tfle study of law with Lucas S. Beecher, of Sandusky, still
devoting, however, a portion of his time to the school-room and to farm work.
At Fremont, in the year 1846, he was admitted to practice law by the Su-
preme Court on circuit. After his admission to the bar and before he com-
menced practice, Mr. Mackey engaged in an enterprise wholly outside the
profession. He, with others, established a daily and weekly newspaper, known
as the Sandusky Mirror . This was the first daily paper published in Erie
county. Mr. Mackey’s connection with the Mirror was continued up to the
latter part of the year 1849, at which time he opened an office for the general
practice of the law. His first partner was O. C. McLouth, but later years
found him professionally associated with Hon. Joseph M. Root, and afterwards
with Homer Goodwin, esq.

From the year 1852 to 1856 Mr. Mackey held the office of prosecuting
attorney of the county. In the spring of 1880 he was appointed judge of the
Common Pleas Court to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Cooper K.
Watson, and at the next general election he was elected to fill Judge Watson’s
unexpired term. He was, upon the expiration of that term, re-elected
for a full term of five years. After his last term upon the bench had expired
Judge Mackey resumed his practice, to which his time has since been de-
voted.

Horatio Wildman was a grandson of Zalmon Wildman, who is well remem-
bered as having been one of the proprietors of the town of Portland, afterward
Sandusky, and of those proprietors he was the largest owner. Horatio Wild-
man was a native of Connecticut, and was born at Danbury on the 10th of
April, 1828. His parents were Frederick S. and Julia Wildman, and of their
five children, Horatio was the oldest. At the age of twenty years young
M ildman came to Sandusky, at which place his father had an extensive land
interest, and here the young man believed was a good opening for business
and professional engagements. Prior to his coming here he had graduated
from Yale College, and had also read law with Charles Hawley, of Stamford,

202

History of Erie County.

Conn. On locating at the county seat of Erie county Mr. Wildman read law
with Francis D. Parish for about one year, and was admitted to the bar at
Mansfield September 17, 1849.

During the thirty-nine years of Mr. Wildman’s professional life in San-
dusky city he has not been without some political ambition. In 1851 he was
elected mayor of the city; from 1856 to 1859 he was a member of the board
of education, and from 1870 to 1879 he filled the position of city solicitor. It
was during the latter period that the most important local improvements were
made, and the duties of his office were indeed onerous.

Jacob A. Camp. Mr. Camp was born at Buffalo, Erie county, N. Y., on
the 20th of July, 1823, and came to Sandusky at the age of eleven years.
His father was Major John G. Camp, than whom, in connection with the early
land transactions of the vicinity, no man bore a more active part. Jacob A.
Camp was graduated from Kenyon College, at Gambier, after a regular classi-
cal course, in the year 1847. In 1848 he entered Harvard Law School and
remained there two terms, after which he read law in the office of Reber &
Camp, at Sandusky, and w’as admitted to the bar in 1850 or 1851. He prac-
ticed until the breaking out of the war of 1861— 65, when he was made pay-
master and so continued in the service of the government until November,
1865, when he returned to his professional work at Sandusky. About four
years ago Mr. Camp retired from active practice, still retaining, however, an
office in the city.

Jabez G. Bigelow has been a member of the Erie county bar since the year
1852. He was a student in the office of L. S. Beecher- for two years prior to
his admission to practice.

Mr. Bigelow was born in New Lebanon, N. Y., on the 7th of March, 1822.
His father was a farmer by occupation, and the family, during the childhood
of our subject, emigrated from the Empire State to Michigan, but died after a
residence in the latter State of a few years. Young Bigelow then started out
to make his own way in life. He worked on a farm and attended school
when an opportunity offered. In 1844 he entered Oberlin College and re-
mained through his junior year, after which he came to Sandusky city and
commenced a course of law study in the office of L. S. Beecher. In 1852 he
was admitted to practice and at once opened an office in the city, where he
has since made a residence. Mr. Bigelow was appointed the first revenue
assessor of this district, about, or soon after the breaking out of the war, and
served in that capacity until the war closed. He has been no aspirant for
political preferment although at one time he was a member of the city council.
Of late years he has retired from the active work of the profession.

Arthur Phinney was born in the Pine Tree State, Maine, at Gorham, on the
28th of March, 1837. At the age of twenty-one he took a preparatory course
at Andover, Mass., for one year, after which he entered Dartmouth College

The Bench and Bar.

203

and remained there one year. He then left and entered Yale College for a
regular collegiate course, being received, on account of his advanced standing,
into the sophomore class. From Yale Mr. Phinney was graduated with the
class of ’64, after which he entered the scientific department of the sanitary
commission, under Prof. B. A. Gould, and was engaged in the recruiting de-
partment for the navy in New York city, but one year later was transferred to
Washington and Alexandria, where he remained until late in the summer of
1865. In August of the last named year he assumed charge of the Chester
Academy, Orange county, N. Y., succeeding Prof. Edward Orton, the geolo-
gist, now of Ohio, but who was former principal of the academy. In the fall
of 1867 Mr. Phinney came to Sandusky to take charge as principal of the
High School, which position he held until the spring of 1870, when he re-
signed. He then became a student at law in the office of Homer Goodwin,
esq., where he remained one year, after which he entered the law department
of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, but was not graduated from that
institution. At Columbus, on the 3d of December, 1872, he was admitted to
practice.

The next year he formed a law partnership with Judge S. F. Taylor, of
Sandusky, and so remained associated until the death of Mr. Taylor in 1SS2.
In 1884 the present law firm of Phinney & Curran was formed.

Samuel C. Wheeler was born in Fairfield county, this State, on the 16th of
September, 1828. At the age of fifteen he commenced alone to fight the bat-
tle of life, and being dependent for a livelihood upon what he could earn, his
early education was necessarily limited. He learned the trade of a saddler
and worked at it for some years. In 1853 he came to Sandusky and, follow-
ing the advice of A. W. Hendry, became a law student in the office of that
gentleman. After a course of study of three years duration he was, in the
year i860, admitted to practice.

On the 3d of June, 1861, Mr. Wheeler enlisted in Company E, of the
Seventh Ohio Infantry, and served with that regiment until at the battle at
Port Republic, Va., on the 9th of June, 1862, he was wounded. He then re-
turned to Sandusky, but was not discharged from the service until March 26,
*863. Some years later he again resumed practice and has so continued to
the present time.

Lewis H. Goodwin. Major Goodwin was born in Burton, Geauga county,
O., on the 29th of December, 1833. He was educated in the schools of the
county, and at the age of sixteen entered the Western Reserve College at
Hudson, but at the end of his sophomore year the college was broken up on
Account of a difficulty between the president and faculty. He then taught
school in Geauga county for some months, after which he entered the junior
class of Marietta College, from which institution he was graduated in 1854,
receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

204

History of Erie County.

After graduation Mr. Goodwin came to Sandusky and became a law stu-
dent in the office of his brother, Homer Goodwin, esq., where he remained
until April, 1856, when he was admitted to practice. He then went to Wabash,
Ind., where he practiced law for something like sixteen years, and until the
outbreak of the war.

In September, 1861, Mr. Goodwin enlisted as a private in Company B of
the Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, but while in camp and before going to
the front he was elected to the captaincy of the company. He served in this
capacity until October following, when he was advanced to the rank of major.
At the battle of Champion’s Hill, May 16, 1863, Major Goodwin was wounded,
but did not retire from the service.

In the winter of 1863, his ranking officers being temporarily absent, Major
Goodwin veteranized the regiment, and this was among the very first of the
regiments engaged in the service that were made veterans. In the month of
December, 1864, our subject was mustered out of sendee, after which he re-
turned to Wabash and resumed the practice of law, which he continued until
1874, at which time, on account of the fact that the climate disagreed with his
family’s health, he removed to Sandusky and formed a law partnership with
his brother, Homer Goodwin, esq., of that city. In 1886 Linn W. Hull came
into the firm, which is now styled Goodwin, Goodwin & Hull.

Frederick W. Cogswell. The subject of this brief sketch was a native of
the “Nutmeg” State of Connecticut, and was born at Woodbury, Litchfield
county. His early education was received in the common schools and the
academy, after which, in 1843, he entered Yale College for the full course, and
was graduated therefrom with the class of 1847, an<d this notwithstanding the
fact that during this term he was prevented by sickness from prosecuting his
studies one full year.

In 1848 Mr. Cogswell became a law student in the office of Hon. Gideon
Hall, of Winsted, Conn., and so remained about one year, when he was com-
pelled by ill-health to retire. He then came to Cleveland, O., for medical
treatment at the water-cure in that city. After about two years, his health
being restored, Mr. Cogswell came to Sandusky and became a student in the
office of Beecher & Leonard, and afterward with Homer Goodwin, esq. At
Norwalk, in the fall of 1852, he was admitted to the bar. He soon opened an
office in Sandusky and practiced continuously until the year 1864, when he en-
listed in Company B of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Ohio Infantry. This
was a hundred-day regiment, and with it our subject served until the term ot
enlistment expired, holding during the term a commission as second lieu-
tenant.

During his years of practice in Erie county Mr. Cogswell has not been
without some political holdings. For several years he held the office of city
clerk; in i860 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the county and held

* - ° 'r“„r

The Bench and Bar.

205

that office until 1873, and it was during his incumbency of this office that he
entered the United States army service, leaving the work of his office to be
performed by a pro tem. appointee. For a number of years Mr. Cogswell has
held tne position of United States commissioner; also, for many years he was
one of the cemetery trustees.

Aside from his professional work he has dealt somewhat in real estate, and
is otherwise interested in the Kelley’s Island Wine Company, and in the ice
business at Sandusky.

Hon. E. M. Colver. Judge Colver was born in the Empire State, but
while yet young his parents moved to Ohio and took up their residence at
Norwalk, the county seat of Huron county. Here our subject received his
early education — at the common schools and academy. In the year 1858
he entered the law department of the Cincinnati College and was graduated in
1859. He had read law under the instruction of Hon. Caleb B. Smith, a
member of Mr. Lincoln’s cabinet during his first administration. In April,
1859, Mr. Colver became a member of the legal fraternity, and soon thereafter
located for practice at Perrysburg, Wood county.

On the 2d of September, 186-1, he was mustered into the service as first
lieutenant of Company B of the Third Ohio Cavalry. From the rank of lieu-
tenant he was, in October, 1862, promoted to captain of Company K, and as
such was in command of the Third Battalion. In December, 1863, he vet-
eranized with the regiment while at Pulaski, Tenn. He resigned in November,
1864, and came to Sandusky city for the purpose of recruiting a cavalry regi-
ment under orders from the war department. Others were engaged with
Captain Colver in this work, and it was but a short time before they had en-
listed a regiment of cavalry thirteen hundred strong. Captain Colver did not
again enter the service, but opened a law office in Sandusky city, where he
has ever since resided.

In 1868 he was elected city solicitor and held that position two years. In
*869 he was elected to the office of probate judge of the county, taking his
*eat in February, 1870. He was twice re-elected and served in all three terms
of three years each. Upon the expiration of his last term Judge Colver formed
a law partnership with J. L. De Witt, which was continued until the last named
person was elected mayor of the city. A new partnership was then formed
"ith Philip C. Schenkel, under the name of Colver & Schenkel, but subse-
quently Edmund B. King became one of the firm and the style was then
changed to Colver, Schenkel & King. Mr. Schenkel died in 1886, since which
time the remaining partners have been associated professionally, and are now
^cognized as one of the leading law firms of the city and county.

Omar Bailey was born in Vermont, the Green Mountain State, on the iSth
day of December, 1834. When less than a year old his parents moved to
1 duo, and became residents of Lorain county. Omar attended the common

20 6

History of Erie County.

schools of the locality in which his parents lived, and when of sufficient age he
entered Oberlin College, where he remained two years, but did not gradual
from that institution. His early law studies were prosecuted in the office of
Messrs. Plum & Plum, where, he read for more than two years. He was ad-
mitted to the bar at Columbus on the 14th of December, 1863.

Mr. Bailey practiced law for a few years in Lorain county, and in the fall
of 1868 went to Iowa, where he remained three years. On returning to Ohio
he opened an office at Norwalk, Huron county, and lived and practiced at that
place until the month of September, 1863, at which time he came to Sandusky.
His practice is general, but if there is any class of cases for which he has a
preference, it is in that branch of the profession usually called criminal practice.

John T. Beecher, son of Lucas S. Beecher, was born in Sandusky on the
23d of July, 1831. His early education was obtained in the schools of his na-
tive town, after which he attended the academy at Mt. Vernon, O., and still
later, for a time, Kenyon College, at Gambier, Knox county. His study of
the law commenced almost at the same time with his education, but it was not
until he left Kenyon College that he became a regular law student in the office
of his father. He was admitted to the bar on the 11th of October, 1853, and
immediately became interested in his father’s practice, an association that con-
tinued until the death of the latter, some few years ago.

In 1883 Mr. Beecher formed a law' partnership with Hon. Thomas P. Finne-
frock, of Fremont, O., which relation has ever since been maintained. During
the years 1879 and 1880 Mr. Beecher filled the office of city solicitor of San-
dusky.

Ulysses T. Curran. By far the greater of the years of this man, since the
days of youth, have been devoted to the school-room, either in the capacity
of student or teacher, and it w'as not until the year 1884 that he beceme an
active member of the legal profession, although he was admitted to practice in
1872.

Mr. Curran was born at Harrisburg, the capital of the Keystone State, on
the 7th day March, 1834. His education was obtained at the Miami Univer-
sity, at Oxford in this State, his parents and family having become residents
of Brown county in 1840. He was graduated from this institution in 1856,
and then received the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

For the three years next succeeding his graduation Mr. Curran was en-
gaged as assistant superintendent of public schools at Ripley, in Brown county,
and at the same time engaged in teaching. He then became principal of the
academy at Harford, Ohio county, Ky., and remained there until the outbreak
of the war, when, from the fact that he was not in sympathy with the great mass
of the people of that State, he was compelled to leave, and leave quickly too.
From there he moved to La Fayette, Ind., where he opened a select school,
but this was not a successful enterprise. During his residence there Mr. Cur-

The Bench and Bar.

207

ran was constantly watched, as he was known to have come from Kentucky.
False reports were circulated concerning him, and he was, for a long time, be-
lieved to be an emissary of the secessionists, but before leaving the place peo-
ple became fully satisfied of his loyalty and integrity. After residing at La
Favette for about a year Mr. Curran returned to Ohio and became superintend-
ent of the public schools of Middletown, where he remained for three years,
but then went to Glendale and became principal of the academy at that place.
Again after another three years had elapsed he established what proved to be
a very successful school at Cincinnati, for the preparation of young men for
Harvard and Yale Colleges.

It was during his residence at Cincinnati that Mr. Curran read law under
the direction of Major L. M. Hosea, a leading attorney of that city. This study
was supplemented by a course in the law department of the Cincinnati Univer-
sity, after which, in 1 872, he was admitted to practice in the courts of the State.
Soon after this he came to Sandusky and accepted the position of superintend-
ent of the public schools, which he held for eight years, but on account of the
adoption of certain books to be used in the schools, a heated and bitter con-
troversy was created, during which our subject resigned his position. In 1844
the law partnership of Plinney & Curran was formed.

Horatio N. Shipman was born in the town of Essex, Chittenden county,
Vt., on the 3d of June, 1829. When he was less than four years of age his
parents left Vermont and came to Trumbull county, O.

The early education of young Shipman was obtained at the district schools
of the vicinity in which his parents lived, and on account of the need of his ser-
vice on the farm, his study was limited to a small part of the year. At the
age of twenty- five he commenced reading law with Charles A. Harring, of
Irumbull county, but he was soon obliged to withdraw from the office as he
had not sufficient means to maintain himself. He then returned to farm work
and devoted his leisure time to the study of Blackstone, Kent and Greenley,
Having purchased the books for the purpose of qualifying himself for the legal
profession. In August, 1854, he came to Berlinville, Erie county, and en-
gaged in teaching school for a number of terms, but in the fall of 1S57 he went
to Yorwalk, where he became a student in the office of T. R. Strong. In June,
I,'557»he was admitted to the bar and located for practice at Milan, in this county.

In the fall of 1861 Mr. Shipman recruited Company C, of the Fifty-fifth
( hiio Infantry, and was made its captain. He served for about two years,
^ith the exception of this time he has been in constant practice at Milan.

Hon. James L. De Witt, one of the present judges of the Common Pleas
Court of this subdivision, was born in Perkins township, in this county, on the
’°th of September, 1848. He was educated at the district schools of Perkins,
and at the age of nineteen became a student at the Buckeye Commercial Col-
lc>Se» at Sandusky, where he remained one winter. At twenty he attended

208

History of Erie County.

“ Job Fish’s School” at Berlin Heights, in this county, where he remained some
time. He then taught school in the county for five or six years, but between
terms attended Oberlin College. While teaching he devoted his leisure to
reading elementary law works. He read law regularly with Hon. John Mackey
and with Homer Goodwin, esq., and was admitted to the bar at Sandusky, in
March, 1873, but devoted more time to teaching school than to the practice
until the year 1875. The next year Mr. De Witt moved to Sandusky, and
thenceforth continued his practice until the spring of 1883, at which time he
was elected mayor of the city. In this office he served two terms. During
his second candidacy no nomination was made against him. In the fall of
1886 our subject became the candidate of his party ( Democratic) for the of-
fice of judge of the Common Pleas. He was elected and assumed his duties
as such in February, 1887.

Charles Webb Sadler was born in Sandusky, August 27, 1848. After an
early education at the Sandusky High School, he, in 1865, entered Kenyon
College, and after a four years’ course was graduated thereform in 1869. He
then read law in the office of his father, Hon. E. B. Sadler, of Sandusky, but
supplemented his legal study with a year’s attendance at the Columbia Law
School of New York city. In 1875 he was admitted to the bar and immedi-
ately commenced practice at Sandusky city, in partnership with his father.

Cyrus B. Winters, the present prosecuting attorney for Erie county, became
a resident lawyer of Sandusky in 1881, and in the fall of that same year was
elected to the office he now holds. His first vote in the county was cast at the
polls of the election by which he was chosen to that office. His successor will
be elected in November, 1888.

Mr. Winters was born in Sandusky county on the 5th of July, 1849. Aside
from a common school education he was for some time at the Western Reserve
Normal School, at Milan, but was not graduated. He then read law with A.
B. Putman, commencing in 1873, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. From
this time until about 18S0, he was deputy clerk of the courts and deputy sher-
iff of Sandusky county, but at the time named he went to Eaton Rapids, Mich.,
where he practiced about one year. In 1881 Air. Winters came to Sandusky
city, and in the fall of the same year was elected public prosecutor.

Edmund B. King became a resident lawyer of Sandusky in the year 1 875 »
but his admission to practice dates two years earlier. He is now prominently
connected with the local military organization of the city, being the command-
ant of the Sandusky Guards.

Mr. King was born at Montzelle, Medina county, O., on the 4th of July,
1850. He was brought up on a farm, at work and attending school in season,
until he reached the age of twenty. He attended Oberlin College one year
and also Baldwin University, at Berea, for two years.

From 1871 to 1873 Mr. King read law with George Knapp, also Messrs.

The Bench and Bar.

209

Wickham & Wildman, of Norwalk, but during these years his time was in part
ccupied in teaching school. In August, 1873, at Elyria, Lorain county, he
•. is admitted to the bar, and in the fall of the same year was elected prosecut-
ing attorney of the county of Medina, but before the expiration of his term of
nice he resigned and came to Sandusky City. Here he formed a law part-
nership with W. W. Bowen, esq., with whom he was associated about two
years, after which he became the junior partner of the firm of Taylor, Phinney
& King. Three years later the firm of King & Sloane was formed, and con-
tinued five years. After practicing alone for one year, Mr. King became one
of the firm of Colver, Schenkel & King. Mr. Schenkel died in 1886, and the
firm then became Colver & King.

Charles H. Cramer was born in Seneca county, O. He attended school
at Whitehall, in that county, and afterwards entered the college at Tiffin for
one year, but did not graduate. He was admitted to practice at Mansfield, O.,
and became a resident of Sandusky in 1881, in which city he has since resided
and practiced the law.

Walter W. Bowen was born at Akron, in this State, in September, 1849.
He was educated at Oberlin College and the Baldwin University ; read law in
the office of Messrs Walker & Bailey, of Norwalk, and was admitted to the bar
at Elyria, Lorain county, in 1873. The next year, 1874, he came to practice
in Sandusky.

In 1876 Mr. Bowen was elected as prosecuting attorney of Erie county,
and filled that office two years ; and again, from July, 1880, to January, 1881,
he held the same position. In the last named year he was elected to the office
ot city solicitor, and re-elected at the expiration of his first term.

Grayson Mills was born in the city of Sandusky. He was educated at
Kenyon College, at Gambier, and graduated from the Columbia Law College,
°f Kew York City, in the year 1876. For about two years he practiced at
Cincinnati, but came to Sandusky in 1878.

From 1881 to 1883 Mr. Mills filled the office of prosecuting attorney of
this county, and since that time has been engaged in the general practice.

John P. Stein. Mr. Stein was born in Milan township of this county, in
the year 1858. He was educated at the Milan Normal School, and came to
Sandusky and entered the office of J. W. Tilly, as a student at law. This
course was supplemented by further study in the law department of the Uni-
versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, after which, in 1881, he was admitted to
the bar. Two years later he was elected justice of the peace, the duties of
vhich office were performed in connection with his professional work.

George C. Beis, the present city solicitor, of Sandusky, was born in Lucas
-ounty on the 12th of September, 1861. His early education was received in
the common and high schools of his native county, after which he became a
*,iw student in the office of Scribner, Hurd & Scribner, of Toledo. He after-

210

History of Erie County.

ward attended the University of Michigan, and was graduated with the class
of 1883. 1° the same year he came to Sandusky and opened an office for
practice. In the spring of 1885 Mr. Beis was elected city solicitor, and re-
elected in 1887.

Linn W. Hull, the junior partner of the law firm of Goodwin, Goodwin &
Hull, is a native of this county, born in Perkins township April 9, 1856. He
was educated at Oberlin and Union Colleges and at Cornell University, but
was not graduated from either of these institutions. He took a course at the
law school at Cincinnati, and was graduated in 1883 and admitted to practice
Prior to that time he had read law with Taylor & Finney, also Homer and
Lewis H. Goodwin, of Sandusky City. In 1886 Mr. Hull became a partner in
the present firm.

Fred Reinheimer was born in Sandusky in 1843. During the war he en-
listed in the Eighth Infantry and still later in the Third Cavalry. He read law
in the office of J. G. Bigelow, and was admitted to practice in 1873, since which
time he has practiced in Sandusky.

Hewson L. Peeke was born at South Bend, Ind., April 20, 1861. He
graduated from the Chicago High School in 1878, after which he entered Wil-
liams College, and was graduated therefrom in 1882. He then read law with
Tagert & Cutting, of Chicago, for one year, after which he went to Dakota
and practiced law for a time. In 1883 he returned east and read law with
Homer Goodwin, esq., of Sandusky, and was admitted to practice in January,
1885. He located at Sandusky.

Mr. Peeke is a strong Prohibitionist. He was the candidate of the Prohi-
bitionists for common pleas judge in 1886, and again the candidate of the same
party for circuit judge in the fall of 1887.

William A. Childs was born in this State November 2, 1857 ; read law in
the office of Hon. Allen M. Knox, of Conneaut, after which he entered the
Albany Law School, at Albany, N. Y., and was graduated in February, 1S80.
During the same month he was admitted to practice in Ohio. For a time he
practiced at Conneaut and came to Erie county, locating at Vermillion, in iSSr.
He has twice been elected justice of the peace, and also served two years
mayor of Vermillion.

W. B. Starbird, the present associate editor of the Milan Advertiser , was
born in New York State. He commenced the study of the law at the age of
nineteen years, and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-four. He
commenced practice in 1882, but in connection with it, has for the last three
years held the position of associate editor of the Advertiser.

Among tlie members of the Erie county bar, there may be mentioned the
names of others who have been in active practice during the few years last
past, but whose efforts are now directed in other channels of trade or profes
sion : Thomas M. Sloane, Gottlieb Stroebel, Benjamin F. Lee, Charles L. Hub-

^ U lo lira •HJ n;

The Medical Profession.

21 i

bard, Rush R. Sloane, Lester Hubbard, C. C. Bittner, H. S. Kellogg, Herman
Ohlv, now in an insane asylum ; and possibly a few others whose names can-
not now be recalled.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

INTRODUCTORY observations.1 “ When we consider the importance and
elevated character of the science of medicine — its object, the preservation
of the health and lives, and the healing of diseases, and the amelioration of the
physical and mental sufferings of our fellow human beings — its extent embrac-
ing a knowledge of all science — it is evident that medical education should
engage the earnest attention of the entire medical profession. The advances
made in all the branches of knowledge, and especially in the science of medi-
cine during the past century, have exceeded in extent and value those of all
past ages ; and it is no longer possible to compress its vast domain within the
narrow limits of ‘ seven Professorships' The present age owes its wonderful
progress to experimental and scientific research.

“ Evolution and development are the talismanic watchwords of the nine-
teenth century, and the doctrine is being accepted that things in the world do
srow% and are not made ; it is no longer generally accepted as a matter of
religious faith that the universe was created by supernatural power, for many
of our deepest thinkers, men of the most profound understanding, believe that
it has been gradually unfolded by the action of natural causes. But, not wish-
ing to be accused of heresy, it may be stated that, whether the theory be
according to Darwin or Hackel or Spencer, or some other philosopher, the
•uv will be the same in any case, and away back, behind ‘protoplasm,’ ‘ger-
minal matter,’ and ‘cellular germ' there exists abundant proof of a ‘ First
Lreat Cause,’ of an ‘ Infinite wisdom,’ for the depth of which, language has no
-xpression. A great flood of light on this subject is now pouring forth on
the world, but its acceptation as a convincing truth rests in a great measure
"'holly with the individual.”

“The world,” says Goethe, “ is not so framed that it can keep quiet.” All
the natural energies are brought into full force by the spirit of enterprise, by
the spirit of progress. The telegraph wires wipe out all territorial boundaries,
and railways penetrate the utmost confines of the earth, and by them States
•*nd territories are bound fast together in one web.

From selected sketches. “ Qui facit per alium, facit per se."

b/-on

■ '« V

212

History of Erie County.

“ The Bible,” says Gail Hamilton, “is full of excellent precepts, and ti.
world is full of bad examples. If a man smite us on the right cheek, we —
lcnock him down. If a man sues us at law, we stand suit, and if he would bor-
row of us we promptly turn away, unless he can give ample security.”

Science and enterprise have spanned the continent with electric wires,
cabled the Atlantic Ocean, given us the measurements of revolving planer
spread forth the canvas to the gale, and made the trackless ocean a high wav
through the world. By the use of scientific and cunningly devised instru-
ments bleak skies and rude winds are foreseen, and the navigator places him
in safety. The electric light has displaced gas as effectually as the latter did
the “ tallow dip,” and is established upon a secure commercial basis. School-
houses, churches, newspapers, and books open up to the poorest the lights
and opportunities of knowledge.

The wealth of nations increases and we see all the arts of life approachin
nearer and nearer perfection. In science, art and literature each succeedin
generation is wiser than its predecessor. The mistakes of past experience
serve as beacon-lights to warn us off the rocks of error and lead us to the port
of truth.

The great and wide advancement in the different branches of medical
science within the last generation is as much a marvel as the progress made in
any other of the arts and sciences. The poorest laborer can now obtain ad-
vice and medicine far superior to that which royalty could command one or
two centuries ago.

“ The advance in medical knowledge within one's memory,” says Sir James
Paget, “ is amazing, whether reckoned in the wonders of science not yet ap-
plied, or in practical results, in the general lengthening of life, or, which is
still better, in the prevention and decrease of pain and misery, and in the in-
crease of working power.

“ The dawning of medical science, which now sheds its light through the
world, began with Hippocrates nearly twenty-three hundred years ago, and
he first treated of medicine with anything like sound or rational principle-.
He wrote extensively, much of which has been translated, and serves as a
foundation for the succeeding literature of the profession. He relied chiefly
upon the healing powers of nature, his remedies being exceedingly simple
He taught that * the people ’ ought not to load themselves with excrements,
or keep them in too long; and for this reason he prescribed ‘ meats proper for
loosening the belly,’ and if these failed he directed the use of the clysters.

“Three hundred years before Christ, Erasistratus invented and used the
catheter, introduced the tourniquet, and produced an instrument for lithotrip tic
operations. Celsus flourished A. D. 50 to 120 as the greatest of Roman sur-
geons.

“Through the centuries from the beginning of the Christian era down to

t/j L 0

The Medical Profession.

213

♦ ;c time of the discovery of the circulation of the blood by Harvey, 1619,
-.rdicine shed but a glimmering light in the midst of the darkness then en-
shrouding the world, and the greatest strides in the advancement of the vari-
ous branches of medical science have been made in the last one hundred
vears, and most of them may be placed to the credit of the last half century.

44 Physiologists no longer believe with Paracelsus in the sixteenth century,
that the planets have a direct controlling action upon the body, the sun upon
the heart, and the moon upon the brain ; nor do they now believe that the
\ital spirits are prepared in the brain by distillation ; nor do they admit that
the chyle effervesces in the heart under the influence of salt and sulphur, which
take fire together and produce the vital flame. On the contrary modern physi-
ology teaches that the phenomena of the living body are the result of physical
and chemical changes ; the temperature of the blood is ascertained by the
thermometer, and the different fluids and gases of the body are analyzed by
the chemist, giving to each its own properties and function.

“ While the eighteenth century witnessed greater advancement in the de-
partment of medical science than any or all its predecessors, the crowning
achievements seem to have been reserved for the nineteenth — the present
century. Among the thousands of elements that comprise this century’s
advance in medical science mention will be made of but one, and that among
the first discoveries, i. e., the use of anesthetics, which benumb the nerves of
sensation, and produce a profound, but transient state of insensibility, in
which the most formidable operation may be performed while the patient sleeps
and dreams of home and happy hours, and the physician is left to the pleasing
reflection that he is causing no pain or suffering.”

But it appears that as rapid as has been this advance during the last hun-
dred years, so, correspondingly, have there developed new forms and phases
of disease to baffle the skill of the most eminent physicians and scientists in
the land ; and while diseases malarious in their character, have for a time de-
fied the attempts to overcome them, they have, nevertheless, been subdued
^nd conquered. Medical skill has proved equal to every emergency.

There is, to-day, known to botanists over one hundred and forty thousand
p’ants, a large proportion of which are being constantly added to the already
appalling list of new remedies. Many of these new drugs possess little, if any
•irtue, save as their sale adds to the exchequer of some enterprising pharma-
Cl*t A drug house of this State recently issued a circular, in which they ad-
vertised 33 syrups, 42 elixirs, 93 solid extracts, 150 sugar-coated pills, 236
tinctures, 245 roots, barks, herbs, seeds and flowers, 322 fluid extracts and 34S
k’cneral drugs and chemicals.

“ The ancients were not so well supplied with drugs. It was the custom
am°ng the Babylonians to expose the sick to the view of passengers, in order
<o learn of them whether they had been afflicted with a like distemper, and
28

■

214

History of Erie County.

by what remedies they had been cured. It was also the custom of those day-
for all persons who had been sick, and were cured, to put up a tablet in the
temple of Esculapius, wherein they gave an account of the remedies that had
restored them to health. Prior to the time of Hippocrates all medicine was in
the hands of priests, and was associated with numerous superstitions, such as
sympathetic ointments applied to the weapon with which a wound was made,
incantations, charms, amulets, the royal touch for the cure of scrofula, human
or horse flesh for the cure of epilepsy, convulsions treated with human brainy

“ While all this credulous superstition of early ages, born of ignorance, ex-
isted to a vastly large extent, it has not been fully wiped out by the generally
advanced education of the present day. The latest appeal to the credulity of
the masses of the people is an invention to relieve the unfortunate sick, and is
known as ‘ the Faith Cure.’ The persons seeking to popularize this means
of cure are either deceived themselves, or are deceiving others. Upon this
point says a popular writer: If the disease be an incurable one, all the prayers
in the world will not cure it. Filth brings fever ; prayer cannot interpose.

“There is probably no department of medicine at the present time more
promising of good results than is sanitary science. While physiology and
pathology are making known to us the functions of the human body, and the
nature and cause of disease, sanitary science is steadily teaching how the
causes of disease may be removed or avoided, and health thereby secured.
This knowledge is of the greatest practical importance to all, and especially to
the people of this county where, upon not less than four occasions, have there
been visitations of the dreaded cholera, and, save upon the first of these, swept
the inhabitants away like chaff before the wind. But the probabilities of a
future cholera epidemic are very materially lessened by the greatly improved
sanitary condition of Sandusky in the introduction of a complete system of
trunk and lateral sewers, and the provision of an excellent water supply, by
which the use of the old wells was discarded, and the sewage matter carried
by force of the water to points beyond the possibility of injury.

“ Progress during the coming one hundred years, if only equal to that of
the past, will more than have accomplished great works in the advancement of
sanitary science ; but the accomplishment of this work calls, not only for the
labor of the physician, but for the intelligent co-operation of the people. The
physician cannot do it alone. If anything really great is to be done in the way
of sanitary improvement, and of preventing disease and death, it must be done
largely by the people themselves. This implies that they must be instructed
in sanitary matters. They must be taught what unsanitary conditions favor
the origin of disease, how disease is spread, and the means of its prevention.
If it is true that that knowledge is of greatest value to us which teaches the
means of * self preservation,’ then the importance of a wide spread knowledge
of how to prevent disease and premature death cannot be overestimated.”

The Medical Profession.

215

The older residents of this county well remember the cholera scourge of
the years of 1849, 1852, and lastly in 1859, and there may be still living a few
that can recall the first visitation in 1832. But then the county had not ac-
quired a sufficient population to make felt the ravages of this disease in its
greatest severity ; nor was there then a sufficient accumulation of filth in
which the germs of the disease could breed and develop. But during the years
1S49, 1852 and 1854 the scourge was indeed terrible, and hundreds of per-
sons fell victims to its ravenous greed. The medical force of the county at
that time was small, only in proportion to the population, and those here had
little knowledge of the disease or of the means of its cure and prevention.

Of the early members of the medical profession of Erie county only a tra-
ditional record exists. It is one of those classes of occupations that record but
little of their own history except as shown by local societies formed at different
times, and in this county there appears to have been none organized prior to
the year 1850.

The great body of medical practitioners in Erie county may be divided into
two classes, and known commonly as Allopathic and Homeopathic. The name
of the former, however, is rarely applied by its representatives to themselves,
they claiming to be “regular” physicians, and considering all others as the cre-
ation of a digression from the true and correct principles of medicine and prac-
tice. The name Allopath is one applied by Homeopathists to the “ regulars ”
to distinguish them from their own body. In this chapter space is devoted to
each of these branches of the profession.

Among the medical practitioners of Erie county there have, perhaps, been
none that attained a standing of special eminence in the profession, but there
have been, and are now to be found in the ranks, men of understanding, men
ot science, men of great mental and moral worth and integrity, whose influence
has been so salutary and all-pervading that the whole profession seems to have
caught something of its spirit, and maintained a freedom from all unworthy
methods, such as can be found in but few communities.

SOME PIONEER PHYSICIANS.

Reliable information concerning the names of the pioneers of the medical
profession in all parts of Erie, or what afterward became Erie county is indeed
meagre, and in the following mention it is more than possible that some names
arc lacking. But from facts gleaned from all sources we are enabled to furnish
*he names of several who were identified with the profession at a very early day.

The pioneer in the town of Sandusky was, unquestionably, Dr. George An-
uerson, who came to this place from New York State, and continued in prac-
:cc f°r several years. Dr. Anderson died during the first cholera epidemic.
^r- John W. Russell came to the town in the spring of 1828, and left in the
kd following. Another pioneer in the profession was Dr. Jeremiah S. Coch-

216

History of Erie County.

ran, who came to Sandusky in 1S32, just at the time of the first cholera out-
break, and rendered efficient service during its continuance. He died in July,
1845. Dr. Elwood Stanley came here during the cholera epidemic of 1849,
and rendered efficient service during that and the subsequent cholera periods.

Waitsell Hastings commenced the practice of medicine in Oxford town-
ship as early as 18 1 1, but he afterward moved to Parkerstown, a hamlet of Gro-
ton township, where he died. Dr. Strong succeeded Dr. Hastings in Oxford,
and was, in turn, himself succeeded by Dr. Carpenter. The latter subsequently
moved west, and Dr. George Carpenter took his place. Dr. Isaac Rogers, a
Botanical physician, also practiced in Oxford. At Huron Dr. Ansolem Guth-
rie located in 1813, but after four years removed to Canada. Dr. McCrea, a
former resident of New Jersey, practiced in Huron township at a very early
day. Dr. Charles H. Leggett came here in 1830, and practiced at the village
about two years. He was drowned in the Huron River in 1832. Dr. George
S. Haskins settled at Huron in 1832, and Dr. Joseph Caldwell in 1833.

The first physician of Berlin township was Dr. George S. Baker, who locat-
ed here in 1822. Dr. Xenophon Phillips, Dr. Guthrie, Dr. Harkness, Dr. Fay,
Dr. Daniel Butler, also David Butler, — the latter a “root and herb” physician
— practiced here, but all were not resident practitioners. Among others of
later years were Professor L. B. Hill and Dr. George S. Hill. In Margaretta,
Dr. Hartshorne established at Venice as early as 1817; Dr. Samuel Carpenter
at Castalia in 1824, and at the same place Dr. M. J. Morseman came in 1836-
Drs. James F. Wilson, R. C. Luce and J. D. McKim were also quite early phy-
sicians of Margaretta. Dr. Strong seems to have been the pioneer of the pro-
fession in Vermillion. Dr. A. E. Merrill, formerly probate judge of the county,
and F. C. McConnelly were settlers of a later day.

Dr. George Hastings applied the healing art to the people of Groton town-
ship as early as 1810. He died in 1864. In Perkins Dr. Richard P. Christo-
pher performed a like service commencing in 1815, and in Milan were Drs.
Goodwin and Guthrie.

THE MEDICAL SOCIETIES.

The first steps looking to the organization of a medical society were taken
while the lands embraced by Erie county were included within the territorial
limits of Huron, and at a time when the idea of establishing such a county a*
Erie was unconceived. On the 10th of April, 1824, an order was promulgated
by the press (the old Clarion ), which being copied herein will fully explain
itself.

“ MEDICAL Notice. — Pursuant to an act to incorporate medical societies
for the purpose of regulating the practice of physic and surgery in this State,
I hereby notify the medical gentlemen, resident in the counties of Richland,
Huron, Lorain, Sandusky and Seneca, that a meeting will be holden at Nor-
walk, the last Tuesday of May next, at 10 o’clock A. M., for the purpose of or-

The Medical Profession.

217

<ranizing a medical society agreeable to said act. It is expected that there will
be a general attendance of physicians of this district, as the eleventh section of
the act provides that no person, other than members of one of the medical so-
cieties in this State, shall be permitted to practice physic or surgery after the
1st of July next. Daniel Tildex.

“Norwalk, April 10, 1824.”

The Clarion , in its issue of June 2d following, contains the following report
relative to the proceedings had in pursuance of the above notice:

“Communication. — Agreeable to the act on the 25th instant, came on
at Norwalk the first meeting of the Fourteenth Medical Society in this State,
The meeting was full, and upon the whole we were much pleased with the re-
spectable display of parchment. At three o’clock the gentlemen proceeded to
organize by choosing Dr. Tilden, of Norwalk, president; Dr. Anderson, of San-
dusky, vice-president; Dr. Mantor, of Elyria, secretary; Dr. Fay, of Milan,
treasurer; Dr. Lucas, of Uniontown, Dr. C. G. Miller, of Mansfield, Dr. Baker,
of Florence, Dr. Sanders, of Peru, Dr. Strong, of Bloomingviile, censors.

Officers for 1825. — Dr. Nathan H. Mantor, president; Dr. John B. Johnson,
vice-president; Dr. Amos B. Harris, secretary ; Dr. Lyman Fay, treasurer; Dr.
George G. Baker, Dr. Moses C. Sanders, Dr. Daniel Tilden, Dr. Eli Dresback
and Dr. Charles E. Ford, censors.

Officers for 1826. — Dr. Moses C. Sanders, president; Dr. George Ander-
son, vice-president; Dr. Amos B. Harris, secretary; Dr. Lyman Fay, treasu-
rer; Drs. George G. Baker, Daniel Tilden, Nathan H. Mantor, Daniel Brain-
ard, junior, and Joel Luther, censors.

Officers for 1827. — Dr. Allen G. Miller, president; Dr. George G. Baker,
vice-president; Dr. A. B. Harris, secretary; Dr. Lyman Fay, treasurer ; Drs.
George G. Baker, William F. Kittredge, Moses C. Sanders, Daniel Tilden and
Eli Dresback, censors.

Officers for 1828. — Dr. George G. Baker, president; Dr. Moses C. Sanders,
vice-president; Dr. Amos B. Harris, secretary; Dr. Lyman Fay, treasurer; Drs.
^ illiam F. Kittredge, Allen G. Miller, Eber W. Hubbard, Moses C. Sanders and
Daniel Tilden, censors.

Officers for 1829. — Dr. Moses C. Sanders, president; Dr. Daniel Tilden,
vice-president; Dr. Amos B. Harris, secretary; Dr. Lyman Fay, treasurer;
Drs. George G. Baker, Nathan H. Mantor, William F. Kittredge, William W.
Nugent and Henry Kuhn, censors.

At a meeting of the society held in 1830, a resolution was adopted approv-
es of the efforts then being made for the suppression of intemperance. During

year Dr. George Anderson was the president, but no further mention of
t:ie proceedings of this society are found, and it is probable that the organiza-
tion was not maintained much later than the year 1S30.

in 1828 the practicing physicians of Huron county were as follows : George

2 I 8

History of Erie County.

G. Baker, Daniel Tilden, M. C. Sanders, George Anderson. Lyman Fay, Will-
iam F. Kittredge, William W. Nugent, Amos B. Harris, H. M. Clark, Joseph
Pearce, Andrew McMillen, Richard P. Christophers, Samuel Stephens, Charles
Smith, Samuel B. Carpenter, W. Merriman, Lemuel Powers and A. H. Brown;
and inasmuch as this county was embraced within Huron at that time, the phy-
sicians above named, or part of them at least, resided within what afterward
became Erie county.

ERIE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The Erie County Medical Society was the outgrowth of a meeting of physi-
cians held at Sandusky on the 6th of April, 1850, at the office of Dr. E. S. Lane.
Of this meeting Dr. Daniel Tilden was chosen chairman, and Dr. E. Lauder-
dale, secretary. This gathering was wholly informal and the main business
transacted was the declaration of intention to organize the society, and the ap-
pointment of a committee on constitution and by-laws, as follows : Drs. E. S.
Lane, Robert R. McMeens, C. Cochran and E. Lauderdale, of Sandusky ; Dr.
Galpin, of Milan ; Dr. Caldwell, of Huron, and Dr. Wilson, of Castalia.

The constitution and by-laws were adopted and the society organized on
the 13th of April, 1850. The first officers were Dr. Daniel Tilden, president ;
Dr. E. S. Lane, secretary. The original members of the society were Doctors
Daniel Tilden, sr., Aaron Austin, E. S. Lane, Robert R. McMeens, E. Laud-
erdale, and Charles Cochran.

From that time the society received acquisitions in membership and was
productive of much good, both to the members and the people of the county.
It would be difficult, if not absolutely impossible, to state the numerical strength
of the society at any time after its full organization. As new names were ad-
ded :he persons respectively signed the “articles of faith” of the society, and
from the roll thus formed we are enabled to furnish the names of members in
the order of seniority in the society. In addition to those whose names are
given above the following appear to have been, at some time, received into
membership : Daniel Tilden, jr., Moses C. Hoyt, Samuel B. Carpenter, jr., John
A. Blanchard, Henry J. Donahoe, James Hitchcock, H. S. Parmenter, Henry
D. Mann, James F. Wilson, George \V. Carpender, Joel Morse, — . Horwitz.
A. H. Agard, Joseph Caldwell, James D. McKim, Philip Graefe, J. E. Wood-
bridge, A. H. Rankin, A. J. Gawne, Elwood Stanley, \V. Graefe, Leopold Pape,
Charles T. D. Gibson, Carl Heiter, T. S. Field, R. C. Luce, F. C. McConnelly,
Samuel H. Bassinger, Michael A. Hughes, P. H. Clements. J. T. Cushing,
George S. Haskins, William Storey, T. M. Cook, William R. Page, G. W
Decker, M. J. Love, Rev. Samuel Marks, A. Szendery, Alta F. Cook, Charles
Graefe, A. C. Friend, W. D. Wilson, L. S. Szendery, R. L. McNees, W. J. Esch.

The society continued in a prosperous condition for something over ten
years, until the breaking out of the war, and thenceforth it seems to have suf-
fered with the general disintegration, not only of societies, but of parties and

The Medical Profession.

219

ail manner of civil associations. From 1861 to 1870 but few meetings were
heid and no proceedings were entered on the records of the society. In 1870
the society was again brought together, mainly to take some appropriate action
upon the occasion of the death of Dr. Tilden, which occurred during that year,
but since 1861 the society has never been as strong as at and prior to that time.
It now numbers not to exceed a dozen active, working members. Its
present officers are as follows : Dr. William Graefe, president ; Dr. Elwood
Stanley, first vice-president ; Dr. W. J. Esch, second vice-president ; Dr. Al-
ta F. Cook, secretary and treasurer. According to the record of medical so-
cieties of the State for the year 1887, the following persons, physicians, are
members of the Erie County Society : T. M. Cook, Alta F. Cook, William J.
Esch, William Graefe, Charles Graefe, Ralph W. Nfees, Alvis Szendery, Louis
Szendery, Elwood Stanley, Carl Tuttle.

THE BAY CITY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

This organization, the junior of its class in the county, was formed in the
spring of 1878, and was made up in part of members of the older society just
before mentioned. During the ten years of its existence the Bay City Med-
ical Society has never been strong in point of membership, and it numbers now
but eight members, as follows : Henry J. Donahoe, A. J. Gawne, E. J. Good-
sell, Carl Heiter, M. J. Love, F. C. McConnelly, William Storey, and L. Szen-
dery. Its officers are A. J. Gawne, president ; F. C. McConnelly, vice-presi-
dent; E. J. Goodsell, secretary and treasurer.

HOMEOPATHY.

It is a trite saying that the improvements, inventions and discoveries of the
last fifty years exceed both in number and importance all that had been ac-
complished for many centuries before. Admitting this to be true, it may be
said that in no department of human knowledge have greater advances been
roade than in medicine.

To affirm that all the different theories on the subject of the best methods
treating disease are alike valuable, would betray ignorance, if nothing worse;
to deny that each or any of the theories had, in at least a limited degree, some
practical value, would not only convict the individual of ignorance, but be an
assumption of wisdom that only bigots would claim, and even credulity could
hardly admit.

Among the systems or theories on the subject of curing the sick that have
received recognition and practical application in this country within the last
rffty years, is that known as homeopathy. An enthusiastic believer in the law
-1 cure expressed in the legend “ Si inilia Similibus Curantur" once undertook
t0 enforce the truth and value of this system, by asserting that the law on which
rested proceeded directly from the throne of God. A “ doubting Thomas ”

220

History of Erie County.

to whom the remark was addressed, replied that the endorsement of a patent
by the Almighty was usually considered sufficient, but as there is a very gener-
ally accepted opinion among the best informed people that about all the laws
that govern this world, or effect its inhabitants, proceed from the same source,
there does not seem to be any peculiar importance conferred upon the system,
in virtue of its origin.

That the law of cure expressed by the above legend, when honestly and
absolutely followed, will cure disease, restore the sick to health, is a fact as well
attested as any statement resting on human testimony, and is capable of dem-
onstration on precisely the lines of argument and proof whether pathological
or dynamic, that apply to all other restorative methods, or medical dogmas
of the age. The history of the introduction of homeopathy into this city, and
the experience of the pioneers of the practice, are not peculiar or specially note-
worthy, unless it be in the fact that its advent was welcomed by a few influen-
tial friends and supporters who, after forty years of experience, are still
numbered among the patrons of the system whose birth and baptism they
helped to celebrate. Thirty-four years ago Sandusky had one homeopathic
physician ; now there are six. Then there were seven thousand inhabitants ;
now we have twenty-three thousand. The entire yearly receipts of the busi-
ness of the only homeopathic physician in Sandusky, in 1854, was a little less
than $3,000. Several of those here to-day will largely exceed that amount in
1888. The homeopathic physicians of this city are doing more business in
proportion to their numbers, than the “ old school.” They have now, and have
always had a relatively large clientage among the wealthy and best people of
the city. The homeopathic physicians of the city compare favorably with those
of any city of the same population ; not only is the comparison favorable so
far as their own school is concerned, but in comparison with any other school.
The homeopathic physicians in the other parts of the county would suffer no
loss by a similar comparison, either with their brethren in the city, or with their
competitors of other systems of practice. Since 1847 fifteen homeopathic phy-
sicians have settled in this city (Sandusky), of whom six reside here now, and
are engaged in active practice. The same number have at different times lo-
cated in other parts of the county ; each of the following villages having at one
time or other had one or more homeopathic physicians : Berlin, Castalia, Hu-
ron, Kelly’s Island, Put-in Bay, Milan and Vermillion. Of those who have set-
tled in the city at different times, to the present date, February, 1888, only six
are here now. Of the whole number, all are still living but two, Dr. Henry
Wigand, who died about 1870, in Dayton, O., and Dr. D. T. Kramer, who
died in Kansas two or three years ago. The following are the names of the
different physicians and the order of their location in Sandusky : Henry Wigand
R. Caulkins, D. T. Kramer, C. Hastings, I. B. Massey, J. D. Buck, L. L. Leg-
gett, E. Gillard, G. A. Gordon, C. E. Stroud, S. A. Henderson, D. Gillard, Dr
Newton, Wm. Gaylord, James Gillard.

The Medical Profession.

221

The first homeopathic physician to settle and practice in Erie county, O.,
was Dr. Henry Wigand. He was a German by birth ; a man of robust and
commanding physique, pleasing manners, scholarly attainments, and very suc-
cessful in his profession. He settled in Sandusky in 1847, and remained
here until after the cholera of 1849, when he removed to Dayton, in this State.
He published a work on practice in 1856, which had a limited sale, but has
been out of print for many years. Dr. Wigand came to this city from Bos-
ton. He was not only the first homeopathic physician to settle in this county,
but he represented that system in its most distinctive characteristics.

The next physician of this school of practice to locate in Sandusky was
Dr. R. Caulkins, who came in 1848. He remained here in practice until 1850,
when he left and returned again about 1862 or ’63. From here he finally
moved to Toledo, and after a few years spent in that city, went to New York
State. He is now in charge as physician of one of the hospitals in Buffalo, N.
V. Dr. Caulkins is a man of pure life, devoted to his profession; very religious
in his nature ; honest in his opinions and thoroughly independent in asserting
them, and urged by his impulsive temperament he at times expressed himself
with a vehemence and personality that reached the very verge of social pro-
priety.

The next representative of homeopathy in this city was Dr. D. T. Kramer.
He came here from New York State. He graduated from the Homeopathic
College in Philadelphia about 1848 and located here the same year. Dr. Kra-
mer was a man of sterling character, and commanded the respect of all who
knew him. He devoted himself and his utmost skill to the best interests of
his patients. He believed most thoroughly in the law expressed in the legend
“ Si mi Ha similibus curantur ,” and as those who knew him best can testify,
whatever professional success he attained was the result of a faithful applica-
tion of the teachings of the founder of the system he had adopted Home-
opathy suffered no loss at Dr. Kramer’s hands; on the contrary, it grew in influ-
ence, and its patrons increased in numbers. A man of modest and unaffected
address, and possessing but little personal magnetism, his success and popularity
>A’ere never factitious, but the reward of true manhood and real merit. Dr.
Kramer moved with his family to Kansas in 1874, where he died in 1884. It
15 "'ith sincere pleasure that the author of this simple tribute to Dr. Kramer’s
memory embraces this unexpected opportunity to bear testimony to some of
the many virtues of a man of so few faults.

About 1852 a Dr. Hastings came to this city, and remained a year or two
4r>d from here went to Detroit. He never obtained much practice, and had
0nly a limited acquaintance, even among the patrons of homeopathy. Of his
Subsequent history the writer has no information.

In May, 1854, Dr. I. B. Massey came with his family to Sandusky from
Jefferson county, N. Y. At that time Dr. Kramer was the only homeopathic
29

222

History of Erie County.

physician in the city; those before mentioned as having been here, had all
left. The first year of his residence in this city was at the old “ Townsend
House,” kept at that time by R. D. McDonald. In April, 1855, he formed a
copartnership with Dr. Kramer, which continued for three years ; their office
being most of the time at Dr. Kramer’s house, the present residence of Dr.
John A. Graham. Dr. Massey graduated from the medical department of
New York University in April, 1846. The venerable Dr. Valentine Mott was
president of the faculty, and professor of surgery. Dr. Massey was in active
practice as an allopathic physician from the time of his graduation until he
came to Sandusky ; he had, however, for two or three years previous to his
coming west, been investigating the claims of homeopathy, and devoted most of
the year of his residence here before commencing practice with Dr. Kramer, in
that gentleman’s office, familiarizing himself with the viateria medica and the-
rapeutics of the system which he had decided to adopt, and in which practice
he is still engaged, having practiced thirty-four years as a homeopathist in
Sandusky, and eight years as an allopathist in New York. He is therefore
the senior in actual age — having been born January 17, 1821 — as well as in
years of practice, of all the homeopathic physicians of Erie county. Dr. Mas-
sey had for many years a large and lucrative practice, extending not only over
Sandusky city, but more or less into the different townships of the county.
He was from 1861 to 1871 physician to the county infirmary, a term of ten
consecutive years. He was also for several years a member of the board of
health, and a portion of the time health officer of the city. Admonished by
increasing years and the growing infirmities incident to long exposure in the
duties of a “ doctor’s life,” that the call from labor to “ rest and refreshment
had sounded, the doctor is endeavoring to enjoy the fruits of an active profes-
sional career, among those who remain of friends, patrons, and acquaintances,
extending over a period of thirty- four years — more than a “ generation ot
time.”

Dr. L. L. Leggett, son of General Leggett, of Cleveland, located here about
1870, and remained a year or so, when he relinquished his profession and en-
gaged with his father in the patent law business. Dr. Leggett has the quali-
fications that will make him succeed in whatever he undertakes. The loss ot
such men to the profession is a misfortune to it and the public.

The next recruit to the ranks of homeopathic physicians in Sandusky was
Dr. J. D. Buck. He was born in Fredonia, N. Y. State, November 20, 183?
He studied medicine and graduated at Cleveland Homeopathic College in the
spring of 1864; commenced practice at Battle Creek, Mich. ; moved to San-
dusky in the spring of 1865, forming a copartnership with Dr. D. T. Kramer
In the fall of 1866 he was appointed to the chair of physiology in Cleveland Ho-
meopathic College which position he filled until he removed to Cincinnati in the
fall of 1871, where he helped to organize, in 1872, the Pulte Medical College ot

The Medical Profession.

223

that city. Dr. Buck was for the first eight or nine years professor of physiology
and registrar of the faculty. Since that time he has been dean and professor
of theory and practice and clinical professor of throat and lung diseases. He
was president of the State Homeopathic Medical Society in 1876. Dr. Buck
has a large and lucrative practice at Cincinnati, and is one of the leading men
of the homeopathic school of the State. A man of pleasing address, robust
health, extremely social and attractive in his intercourse with his patients, and
the public ; studious by nature ; gifted with strong mental powers, he is an
honor to the profession and would be an ornament to any society where his
lot might be cast.

Dr. Geo. A. Gordon succeeded to the practice of Dr. J. Buck in 1871, on
the removal of that gentleman to Cincinnati, O. Dr. Gordon was born in
Washington county, Pa., in 1841. He followed farming until the spring of
1864, when he enlisted as a soldier in the Union army and remained until the
close of the Rebellion. He graduated from Iberia College, O., in 1867, when
he began reading medicine with R. B. Rush, M. D., of Salem, O. He gradu-
ated from Cleveland Homeopathic College in February, 1S67, and settled in
Sandusky the following June, where he is still actively engaged in his profes-
sion. The doctor is one of our most popular and successful physicians. He
has few superiors as a prescriber.

Dr. Edwin Gillard was born at Venice, Erie county, O., in 1845 1 attended
the High School in this city; and Oberlin College ; served in the 145th Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, usually known as the One Hundred Day troops. Re-
turning to civil life he engaged in teaching school for five years and then en-
tered Dr. J. D. Buck’s office as a medical student, beginning practice at Belle-
vue in 1870. In 1871 he became a partner of Dr. I. B. Massey, and attended
the Cleveland Homeopathic College where he graduated the following year.
In 1882 he established the sanitarium at his present location No. 927 Wash-
ington street. Dr. Gillard is favorably known as a practitioner of skill, and
occupies a front rank among the physicians of the city. As a student or prac-
Ltioner, nature has endowed him with a degree of industry, perseverance and
pluck, that when supplemented by adequate professional knowledge always
constitutes an energy that thrives by opposition ; and while accident or supe-
nor force may hinder or delay, they seldom utterly defeat.

Dr. Gillard was coroner of Erie county for one term, and is a prominent
member of several secret societies.

Dr. Clarence Eugene Stroud was born in Bloomfield, Ontario county, N.

January 14, 1847 ; was educated at Palmyra, N. Y., and entered his fath-
?r s dental office in Sandusky, in 1865, where he remained as student or part-
ncr until 1871. Then he entered the homeopathic medical department of Micli-
University and remained one year, when he entered the Detroit Home-
°pathic College, graduating in 1872. His first location in practice after grad-

■

224

History of Erie County.

uating, was at Wyandotte, Mich., where he remained one year. In the spring
of 1873 he came to Sandusky, O. He was for a number of years a member
of the board of health of Sandusky, and was, during the entire period, its effi-
cient secretary.

Dr. Stroud is a practical dentist and holds the degree of doctor of dental
surgery from the Wisconsin Dental College, issued in 1881. His father and
only brother are among the most prominent practitioners of dentistry in the
county. Dr. Stroud’s industry and constant devotion to his profession, have
achieved for him a measure of success, that is the best certificate of capacity that
a doctor can desire, or community bestow.

Dr. Sarah A. Henderson is a native of Burlington, Vt. She studied med-
icine in Cleveland under Dr. Boynton, who was a member of the Cleveland
Homeopathic College faculty, from which institution she graduated and prac-
ticed on Kelly’s Island four years, removing to Sandusky in 1877. She is a
member of the American Institute, the leading society of this school of medi-
cine. Dr. Henderson and her friends have reason to be well satisfied with her
social and professional status wherever she is known. She has demonstrated
not only her individual fitness for the duties of the physician, but shown that
the “ Lords of Creation” have not inherited or acquired all the skill or knowl-
edge of the art of curing the sick.

The intuitions, quick perception, and critical observation of woman amounts
to an instinct in estimating human character and conduct, and is equally well
adapted to the interpretation of the subjective symptoms that are often all the
basis there is on which to form an opinion or diagnosis of disease.

A physician who has not had occasion to confess that he has often been
astonished and confounded by the interpretation of symptoms and the location
of disease by women entirely ignorant of all the special knowledge on the sub-
ject that doctors are supposed to possess, has had a rare experience — one that
would expose him to a criticism scarcely less disparaging than was made by Dr.
John Hunter, of a young surgeon of London, who was boasting in the famous
surgeon’s presence that he had never lost a case of lithotomy: “Well,” said
Hunter, “ I presume the same cipher would represent your successful cases.”
That the conditions for making useful doctors depend more on the amount and
quality of the brain, than the variety of the gender, will do very well as a ques-
tion of discussion for a country debating society, but is hardly creditable to
medical colleges of the present day.

Dr. Warren Newton, at present at Ligonier, Ind., was born and raised in
Ottowa county ; studied medicine with David Gillard, at Port Clinton ; grad-
uated at Homeopathic Hospital College, Cleveland, about 1S82. He settled in
Huron, this county, and after practicing there a year or two, came to San-
dusky, where he remained less than a year. Having an otter of a copartner-
ship with a physician at Ligonier, ne accepted in 1885, and is now engaged in

The Medical Profession.

225

a large and growing practice at that place. The doctor -is unusually well
posted in materia medicay a factor of supreme importance in qualifying one for
a prompt and successful prescriber. He stood high as a student and maintains
an equally high relative position among practitioners.

Dr. David Gillard was born at Venice, O., July 30, 1852; studied medi-
cine with his brother, E. Gillard, and graduated at Cleveland Homeopathic
College in 1877, and began the practice of medicine at Port Clinton; moved to
Sandusky in the spring of 1SS2, and moved back to Port Clinton the same year;
again moved to Sandusky in July, 1885, and formed a copartnership with his
brother, Dr. E. Gillard, but dissolved partnership and returned to Port Clinton
in the autumn of 1886, where he is now located. The doctor left a fine prac-
tice at Port Clinton when he came to Sandusky in 1885, which involved so
large an amount of country business that he hoped to improve his practice, at
least in this respect. A year or two convinced him that having too much
country practice could be endured quite as cheerfully, and more profitably,
than having too little. The doctor has re-entered his old field, and has cause
to be gratified with the renewed expressions of confidence manifested by the
public in his skill and uniform success.

Dr. John Mathews studied medicine with Dr. E. Gillard ; graduated and
commenced practice at Castalia, and for a while with Dr. Gillard, in Sandusky.
He went to California, where he died a year or two ago.

Dr. William Gaylord began the study of medicine in February, 1878, with
Dr. J. D. Buck, of Cincinnati, as his preceptor. He was a locomotive engi-
neer, running night express between Cincinnati and Richmond, Ind., and
continued in this employment during his study and college course, until he
graduated in the spring of 1883, at: the Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, O.
The following summer he was made lecturer on history and microscopy and
resident physician in charge of the college dispensary ; the following year he
*as made professor of chemistry and toxicology, which positions he held until
locating in Sandusky in 1885.

While in some respects Dr. Gaylord’s medical education was obtained
under disadvantages, yet there were other favorable conditions that more than
compensated for the necessity of devoting so large a portion of the ordinary
hours of rest to providing the means of support while preparing himself for the
profession he had adopted. He had the advantage of a large amount of clin-
,cal experience in the office of his preceptor, as well as the college and hos-
pital clinics of any of the professors he chose to attend, and these privileges
,n an office like his preceptor’s, who was at that time a professor, and dean of
'he medical college, afforded him superior opportunities for witnessing and
listing in a large and varied amount of medical and surgical practice. Dr.
Gaylord is the latest addition to the homeopathic fraternity of the city, and is
as liberally equipped with the essentials of professional success as any who have
preceded him.

226

History of Erie County.

Among the homeopathic physicians of Erie county Dr. B. F. Hill, whose
home when in the county was at Berlin Heights, was in his day a prominent
member of the fraternity.

Dr. Hill was born December 18, 1813, in Tioga county, Pa. Came to Hu-
ron (now Erie) county, O., when a mere boy, and engaged in farming; began
his education in the log school- houses of those times ; finally taught school for
several winters; studied law at Norwalk with Cortland Latimer, during the
years 1839-40. Owing to impaired health he was induced to turn his attention
to medicine, and graduated in the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, Octo-
ber 1, 1843. He was demonstrator and assistant professor of anatomy, and
finally appointed to a full professorship of anatomy, which he held until 1852,
when he was appointed professor of surgery in the Cleveland Homeopathic
Hospital College, in which institution he remained as professor until i860. En-
gagements of a business nature compelled him to spend a few years in Michi-
gan, where he was elected in i860 to the Legislature of that State.

His report on the establishment of a homeopathic medical department in the
University of Michigan is justly celebrated, and accomplished the purpose for
which it was written. In the spring of 1S63 he was appointed by President
Lincoln consul to Nicaraugua. While engaged in the medical profession, dur-
ing the years 1852 and 1853, he built the “Water Cure” at Berlin Heights;
in the meantime wrote several books, among which was “ Hill’s Homeopathic
Healing Art,” also “Hill’s Epitome of the Homeopathic Healing Art,” eleven
revised editions of which have been published. He was representative in the
Ohio Legislature from Erie county during the sessions of 1867, 1S68, 1869 and
1870. Dr. Hill died at Marysville, Cal., May 13, 1871, aged fifty-seven years.
The doctor was in many respects a remarkable man. Notwithstanding he was
cut off when but little past middle age, he had accomplished more than the ma-
jority of men under similar circumstances will ever achieve, no matter to what
age they are spared. The record of his labors is the best monument to his
memory that even filial affection could erect.

Dr. George S. Hill is a brother of the late B. F. Hill. He lived at Berlin
Heights, and was a very successful practitioner. He moved into the southeast-
ern part of the State many years ago. As it was omitted in the biography of
B. F. Hill, it may be mentioned here that he (B. F. H.) was the author of “The
American Eclectic Practice of Surgery,” and the “ Homeopathic Practice of
Surgery,” both works of real practical merit.

Dr. Morley of Huron, was born December 17, i860. Studied medicine with
Dr. C. S. Morley, at Pontiac, Mich. Graduated at Cleveland Homeopathic
College in 1884. At once located in Huron, where he is meeting with flatter-
ing success. Dr. Morley gives promise of becoming one of the leading physi-
cians of the county.

Dr. Bond of Vermillion, is an alumnus of Detroit Homeopathic College, re-

The Medical Profession.

227

ceiving his degree in 1873. He is esteemed by his patrons and acquaintances
for his many excellent qualities of head and heart.

Miss Spalding, a graduate of Cleveland Homeopathic College, practiced
medicine a number of years on Kelley’s Island, previous to 1873. Miss Spald-
ing moved to Kansas with the family of Captain W. A. Webb, and remains
there at this date (1888). Dr. Sarah A. Henderson succeeded her on Kelley's
Island. Not having Dr. Spalding’s address the writer has not been able to ob-
tain any further items in connection with her professional history.

Drs. McConly, Ailing, Catlin, Simmons and Sweazy, are names familiar to the
people of Milan, the last two being engaged there now, and the others at differ-
ent times in the past. Of the first three the writer can speak but from a lim-
ited acquaintance, enough however to convince him of their ability and success
in the profession. The two occupying the field at present are in good practice,
which, in an intelligent community, is a sufficient endorsement of professional
merit.

It is due to the writer to say that the preparation of this article was un-
sought, and attempted with much hesitancy, mainly for the reason that his
acquaintance with the profession outside the City of Sandusky has necessarily
been comparatively limited, and therefore the little time at his command in
which to obtain detailed and correct information of the different physicians who
have at one time or another practiced in the county, made it impossible to do
exact justice to those whose acquaintance he had been so unfortunate as not to
have made. That there are those about whom no reference has been made, or
if so, simply to mention their names, is no evidence or test of their comparative
influence or ability in the fraternity; but because I had not, and under the cir-
cumstances could not, be more thorough or critical in alluding to them. Of
those of whom more has been said, still more flattering mention might have
been made, but as the purpose was barely to refer to a few of the characteris-
tics of each, if my estimate of their mental and professional status is fairly cor-
rect and just, my purpose is obtained; more than this I had no right to expect,
Fraternally, I. B. MASSEY.

228

History of Erie County.

CHAPTER XVII.

THE GERMAN ELEMENT OF ERIE COUNTY .*

A WRITTEN history of this country, as well as any part thereof, would be
incomplete without devoting an appropriate space to the Gemnan Element ,
that in years gone by helped materially to develop its resources and is still
aiding in a humble way to shape its future destiny for good or evil in a social,
moral, and political way.

A political history, strictly speaking, cannot be claimed for the German
element in America, and yet in the conglomeration of the diverse elements
constituting this Union has it played such a potent factor, that its peculiar
traits and characteristics as a nation call for a special recognition. The tenacity
in keeping up and preserving the old mother tongue in song and speech and
the rigid observance of religious ceremonies and holy days as of old, are most
marked.

Retrospecting, we find German emigration in its earliest infancy forced.
Refugees in its proper meaning were the small number of pioneers that crossed
the ocean a century or more ago. They were stripped of all earthly posses-
sions, and yet are thankful in their pious devotion, that God did spare their
bare lives, a repetition of so-called Christian tolerance so well illustrated in his-
tory in the persecution and expulsion of the Salzburger and Moravian sects.
Without a home, a country of their own, or any protection, an easy and ready
prey for the sharks of Holland and England, they had only one desire — to sever
completely the ties of former bondage and oppression.

It cannot be said that the first immigrants bettered their condition materi-
ally in their new home ; they entered a servitude bordering closely on slavery,
but notwithstanding all this they felt contented, their final efforts culminated
in the acquisition of a home and a few spare acres of land to provide them-
selves.and families with the necessaries of life. It may sound harsh and offen-
sive to the national pride of to-day, and yet it is an indisputable fact, that
Germany furnished for a long time the English colonies not only with bought
up and conscript soldiers — Hessians — but almost entirely with the rude hands
for manual labor.

The German colonists of the eighteenth century became the coolies of this
country. The star of glory at one time so bright in the old home dictating
the pol cy of all other nations, had lost its lustre and its power. The bloody
wars, following the Reformation and the Thirty Years War in special, had sapped
and taken the life blood of this nation, and had destroyed its power, progress,
and energy for more than one generation. Devastation was over all ; the
noble guilds that in years of former prosperity were so actively engaged in the

By Dr. E. Von Schulenburg, Sandusky, Ohio.

The German Element.

229

erection of the beautiful structures, that by their lavish adoration of sculpture
and exquisite masonry call loud for praise from the connoisseur of to-day.
Their work was finished ; the peasant had neither horses nor oxen to cultivate
his land, nor even the seed for sowing; the highways had become impassable
in the many years of ceaseless war, and the potentates and rulers of the small
parcels of land were remorseless and deaf to the appeals of their subjects as
long as the taxes were promptly paid in order to keep up their own luxurious
life. They styled themselves rulers “ by the grace of God,” and the kingdom
or duchy had become their personal property. Only one way was left open
to escape all this misery — emigration — the peasant and burgher alike had
become so powerless and enervated, that to make front against their common
oppressor was entirely out of the question. Flight then in the dark hours of
the night, flight to safely reach the frontier. The first German" emigrants
gave up their fatherland without pain or tears, they had so completely lost
confidence in themselves and the old home regime, that they blindly and hope-
fully accepted the inducements held out by foreign countries.

The German emigration did in course of time assume larger proportions
and directed itself mainly to the shores of this country. Germany'so much in
need of hands to commence the work of national reconstruction, through a
false policy, gave to America a good share of its best productive power, but
received only as a just retaliation French manners and vices, French luxuries,
and an army of adventurers.

The impetus of German emigration in its infancy may with a certain amount
of correctness chronologically be given in the following order: Religious op-
pression and persecutions (Moravians, Mennonites, and Lutherans), famine and
pestilence, over-population in certain districts, inability to make a living and a
desire for a better existence. There has been a great deal of nonsensical talk
in misinformed or prejudiced papers and books about an inborn proclivity of
the Germans to change their domicile on the slightest pretext, but the perti-
nent question may be excusable, will any one give up a home and sever forever
all family ties, if even a shadow of happiness is left to share in the old beloved
home ? The expectations of the German settlers became realized in a meas-
ure. Fertile acres by the millions, the primitive wilderness, waiting only for
the strong arm of the pale faced Teuton to carve out a home of his own choice,
and as a God sent blessing, liberty in religion and in speech and equality be-
fore a common tribunal of law. Verily, our forefathers had a trying time of it,
hut they were neither afraid nor ashamed to work, and hardened by many
exposures and surrounded by the contrasting perils of the frontier life, did they
nve out their expectancy of three score and ten, and long enough to harvest,
ln many instances, the fruit3 of their own honest and energetic work. In a
short time, thanks to their inborn saving trait, they became freeholders and
prosperous on a piece of land that seemed inadequate to [support their Dutch
30

230

History of Erie County.

or English neighbors. Peasants, common laborers, servants, and disappointed
merchants made up the bulk of the German emigration at the beginning of the
present century, but none of them truthfully expressed the true inwardness, the
character and genius of their nation; they represented it to a certain extent by
their independence, by a multitude of dialects and everyday habits, and yet
they were destined in their physical and moral healthfulness and strength to
become a most valuable factor. An amalgamation of the different elements of
this country by means of intermarriage and closer social intercourse was nec-
essary to transfuse new blood, new life and vigor into this country.

Endurance, perseverance, a limited greed for earthly possessions were then
as they are now, marked traits of the Germans ; their aspirations were for a
home of their own, and in this respect they differed greatly from the true
Yankee, who is ever ready and willing to sacrifice almost anything provided it
brings a mercenary gain or is a bargain. For the first time then in his life is
the German put on his own feet, no red tape, no barriers, no passport or
policeman at every move or step, the rigidly enforced etiquette of the old
home has become a dead letter. For the first time in his life a free man
amongst a multitude of freeholders, welcome, but obliged to depend from now
on upon his own judgment, energy, and strong arms for all the necessaries of
life. The proverbial “help yourself” becomes the true guiding angel from this
day on, on which his foot touches the soil of this free country. He passes the
first years of probation hard and ceaselessly working day after day, and by and
by the language of the foreign country, so similar to the sounds of home, is
mastered and with it his interest in common as well as national questions be-
comes aroused ; the poor despised German feels proud to be placed on a level
with the rest, and deposits his first ballot as a true and loyal citizen, well know-
ing its importance, and year by year does he learn better to understand and
to appreciate the numerous blessings everybody is welcome to in this country,
provided he is willing to live up to its laws. The leaders of the Anarchistic
and Socialistic movement seem utterly to forget, that not more than a century
ago the routine work of a happy and well contented laborer in the old home
ceased only with the looming up of the stars, that it was impossible for him
ever to better his condition in life and to give to his children such an excellent
education as is furnished in this country, even to the most humble subject as
free as the air we breathe. We have no serfs, thanks to God! No slaves any
more ! In this country all work in the different branches of industry, and al-
though keenly competed gives to all, excepting a spendthrift, more than one
chance to get well enough along in life ; and it is an indisputable fact that the
much cursed and maligned monopolist started out in life as impecunious as the
so-called and big-mouthed reformer, the only perceptible difference being that
the one knew how to save his earnings and properly invest them, the other
only how to squander. Many instances may be cited of German immigrants

■

The German Element.

231

.jut landed on the shores of this country almost penniless and in years of hard
’ubor did they earn a competency, but it was their enterprise, fair dealing and
hard work that made them such, and a score or more of German families could
be named in this little county of Erie that in a short time have been elevated
from obscurity and poverty to richness. May they deservedly enjoy it to
their heart’s content ! Wealth brings comfort and comfort brings ease, but
many would gladly have given up a good share of their wealth had they only
learned in their younger days the art of how to properly enjoy it. As a rule
the wealthier classes of Germans in Erie county have been instrumental in
building up its branches of industries, formerly unknown or at least much
neglected, such as the wine, grape, and the fish business. In these branches
of trade many thousands of hands are employed in the busiest seasons.

The American continent was, excepting its geographical location, as
unknown ,to the first German settlers as to the crew that embarked under
Columbus on August 3, 1492, at Palos in the fragile ships. The Germans
had no object in view ; they did not come to perfect any idealistic ideas,
neither did they have any outlined work ; they presented rough, unhewn
blocks, that should fit themselves after repeated dressing and become a useful
material in building up a great nation. Please glance over American history :
Go back to the war preceding the Declaration of Independence — go back to
1812, and the bloody war of secession — and the names of loyal German-
American citizens will be found in great numbers, and many of them in the
front ranks, who were as willing as the rest to sacrifice their blood and lives
for the preservation of the Union and of peace! Two generations had to go
down into their graves before an amalgamation of the German, and the inborn
element could be consummated from that day on, though the German offspring
became a true American citizen, not only in name, but in body and soul.

With great pleasure do I recall the happy days of my youth, when I was
brooding over the tales and legends, so masterly written by Grimm and Musaus,
of the sunken countries and cities — of Vineta, on the Baltic Sea. Tradition
says, that on a bright night, when the waters are calm, the towers of this
sunken city were plainly seen at the bottom of the sea and the tolling of the
bells could be distinctly heard in the stillness of the night. Many of the old
settlements of the first German pioneers are buried alike ; tradition, entries
in the old family Bible or church record, dilapidated and broken up slabs in
the remote corners of a neglected church or grave-yard, tell in a faint way the
story of a century or more ago. It was with the utmost reverence that the
writer of this chapter opened two years ago the old time-worn chest which
the great-grandfather of his children had willed to him as a small token of his
love. Old books dating back to the time when their ancestors came to the
shore of America as refugees, nearly two hundred years ago — old, but priceless
books — an almost complete list of works first printed in America in the be-
loved mother tongue, by Sauer, of Germantown, Pa.

232

History of Erie County.

German emigration assumed the most gigantic proportions in the middle
of the present century. As it will undoubtedly interest the general reader, an
authentical list, taken from the record of the Statistical Bureau at Washington,
is given below :

1820, German emigrants 968

1821, “ “ 383

1822, “ 44 148

1823, “ “ 183

1824, “ “ 230

1825, “ 44 450

1826, 4 4 44 51 1 !

1827, 4 4 4 4 432 I

1828, 44 4 4 1,851

1829, 44 44 597

1830, 4 4 4 4 1,976

1831, 4 4 4 4 2,413

1832, 44 44 10,194 ;

1833, 44 44 6,988 |

1834, 44 44 17,686

1835, 44 44 8,311

1836, 44 44 20,707

1837, “ “ 23,740 |

1838, “ 44 11,683 |

1839, 44 44 21,028 j

1840, 44 44 29,704

1841, 44 44 15,291

1842, 44 44 20,370

1843, “ “ 14.441

1844, “ N “ 20.731

1845, “ “ 34355

-846, 44 “ 57,56i

1847, 44 4 4 74,281

1848, 44 44 58,465

1849, 44 4 4 60,233

1850, 44 “ 63,182 |

1851, 44 44 88,196

1852, “ 44 145,918

1 853, German emigrants .... 141,946

1854, “ “ 215,009

1855, “ “ 7i,9i8

1856, 4 4 44 71.028

1857, 44 “ 91,781

1858, 44 4 4 45,310

1859, “ “ 41,784

1860, 44 44 54491

1861, 4 4 4 4 31,661

1862, 4 4 44 27,529

1863, 44 44 33462

1864, “ 44 67,276

1865, 44 44 83,424

1866, 44 44 115,892

1867, 44 44 133426

1 868 , 44 44 123,070

1869, 4 4 4 4 124,788

1870, 44 44 9!-779

1871, 4 4 4 4 107,201

1872, “ 44 i55o93

1873, “ “ 133441

1874, “ “ 56.927

1875, 4 4 4 4 36.565

1876, 44 44 31.323

1877, 44 “ . 27,417

1878, 44 44 3 !.95s

1879, 44 44 43-531

1880, 4 4 4 4 i34-.°4°

1881, 4 4 4 4 249.572

1882, 44 44 250.630

1S83, 44 44 180,812

Total in sixty-four years 3.817,193

This* list will speak for itself. Conclusions may be drawn by every one
that is familiar with the history of his nation.

The ravens of Kueff Hamser desert their former habitation ; Barbarossa
sleeps?now in peace — once more a solid and an undivided empire in strength
and power as of old. The price was dear, and many thousands of our brave
sons were "laid to rest in a strange land ; once more did the bloody* wars of
1866 and 1870 take the life-blood of this nation, but when King William
placed the emperor’s crown of a once more united country* on his silver hair in
the halls of Versailles, it was another just retaliation, when he remembered in
that eventful hour, with tears in his eyes, the humiliation of his country' and

The German Element.

233

his own beloved parents in the dark hours of 1806. Once more were the reins
of supremacy placed in the hands of a ruler, that had proven not only a de-
fender of his and his people’s rights, but a protector and preserver of peace.
From that day on has the flag of our old fatherland given ample protection to
her sons, that are scattered over all the world’s creation, as outspoken as the
stars and stripes we now adore.

And still they come, the Teutons, but not as refugees as of a century ago
stripped of all earthly possessions, — they come now of their own free will, with
means, and the same strong and muscular arm that cleared the wilderness so
many years ago. The light so conspicuously displayed by the goddess of lib-
erty, at the main port of this country, seems to draw them nearer and nearer.

The German element form about the seventh part of the total population
of this country ; entire counties and cities are almost^iven up to them. San-
dusky city has a German population of nearly one- half, and New York city
has become the third largest German city in the world, and yet the strength
and influence of the German element is far less than should proportionately be
expected. The Germans confront in this country an inborn nation that has for
two centuries not only accepted and welcomed, but digested the diverse ele-
ments of the old world ; an inborn element, that in all those years had become
powerful and strong, and it cannot reasonably be expected that it abruptly
should change their habits, ways of Sabbath consecration and all existing laws,
simply to please a foreign-born element, far less to obey their dictations. Fif-
teen hundred years is a long while ; in that time laws, traits and a once com-
mon language change to such an extent that the link of close relationship may
seem entirely defunct, and yet blood will tell and call for recognition at first
sight The Anglo-Saxons and the Germans meet once more after 1,500 years
of separation, and, strange as it may seem, on a newly discovered continent, to
join hands to build it up mutually for their combined interest and glory.

“ In union there is strength.” There are many vital questions to be de-
cided in a fair and unprejudiced way by a coming generation ; questions to
match in battle, civilization and rudeness ; intellectual power and genius
a£ainst stupidity; but it is to be hoped that religious questions will never en-
ter the race, and that the horrors of inquisition and religious intolerance and
persecution that came at one time very near strangling the new-born babe and
destroying the future prosperity of this country, may not be repeated.

The fathers of independence, and the framers of our constitutional laws,
were in the right by ignoring, entirely, in their declarations all religious mat-
ers, holding that every one had a perfect right to accomplish his salvation in
a way that suited him best. They did plainly foresee, that by granting the ut-
most liberty in this direction, emigrants would come from all parts of the world
t0 the shores of America, and that it would have been much like the work

a Sisyphus to regulate by law the spiritual welfare with the worldly, alike.

234

History of Erie County.

If we, to come to a close, correctly understand the mission of the German ele-
ment in this country, we must come to the conclusion that its future prosper-
ity is not to be found in a strict exclusiveness and in fantastic dreams of a
Utopia. Our final mission is to become more closely amalgamated, and to
unite with the inborn element, and to preserve at the same time the many
laudable traits of the Teutonic race. Let us preserve our love for the home
circle, domestic felicity, our love for everything sublime in arts, our classical
music, our gold mine of poetry, our mother tongue, and song and speech, and
feel contented that our influence in political, social and every day affairs will
become greater in the proportion we make ourselves better understood. There
will be nothing regretted then, if we lose our name as a distinct nation. It is
useless to simulate ; whoever emigrates gives up his fatherland, and cannot
claim it with any more right than he could claim two fathers. The name
German-American becomes less and less distinct from year to year, and will,
by gradual transmutation, become as defunct in the course of time as the
aborigines of the wilderness and the buffaloes of the plains.

More has been said in the foregoing lines than was originally intended, but
as the incorporated sentiments are the key to understand properly the mission
of the German element, it will be duly appreciated.

REMINISCENCES AND OLD LANDMARKS.

The time that has passed since the pioneer first walked in the wilderness
by the side of the river and creeks, is almost fourscore years. Strange and
startling scenes, in life dramas, have been enacted before and since then. The
Indian, glorying in his wild freedom, and holding undisputed possession of the
forest, has here lain in wait for the deer to come and drink. Human blood
has flowed by the side of the streams. The white man came, and with hard
labor rolled together the logs for a humble home. The prattle and the laugh-
ter of little children mingled with the songs of birds. The sound of the ax
was heard along the shore, and the crushing of falling timber shook the earth.
The forest melted away before the march of the army of peace. The country
was dotted with human habitations ; a village grew up and became a busy
mart. The church and school-house appeared. Where once were no sounds
but those of nature, there had come the hum of industry, the bustle of trade, a
hurrying to and fro, the greetings of man with man, the activity impelled by
varied human interests. There were births, marriages, deaths, the ever occur-
ring joys and griefs of humanity; the change and mutation of life and time.
The old log-houses well nigh faded from existence ; the houses and landmarks
of old Portland rolled away. Men who were babies when the country was new,
grew old and went down to their graves. It is the fulfillment of a hard task
that the writer came in possession of such facts, that are little, if any, known,
excepting to a few more closely interested. It is a great pleasure to him to

The German Element.

235

present to the reader of to-day carefully trimmed outlines of the characters of
those men and women whose lives were passed in preparing the wilderness for
the present generations. Wherever we failed to come into possession of a cor-
rect family record, we have striven to perpetuate, at least, the names of those
who bore the brunt in the great struggle of subduing a new country, who sur-
mounted its obstacles and faced its dangers bravely. The hard work has been
persistently carried on for many months. May these offerings, with all their
imperfections, find a warm place in the hearts and homes of his German fel-
low men, and may the living generation learn from the past something about
the contentedness, frugality and honesty of the good old time.

The writer’s table has been covered for weeks, with numerous letters, pass-
ports, certificates and musty papers, dating back half a century and even more.
The time worn pages of the old Clarion and Baystadt Democrat , tell of many
well-meant but ill-spent endeavors of our forefathers, of incidents and official
acts, that will appear ridiculous at this day. That a well-meaning member of
the City Council of Sandusky, nearly forty lyears ago, to be faithful to his
constituents, introduced a resolution that, chickens caught in the act of tres-
passing, might lawfully be killed, is only a sample ; but may it truthfully be
said that after a fierce battle, not the chickens, but the resolution was un-
mercifully killed. The aspirations of our city fathers did not, apparently,
run high in those days, and instead of confining themselves strictly to the
needed work, they allowed the golden opportunity to slip and Cleveland and
Toledo to reap the harvest.

To confine ourselves more closely to the subject, very little, if anything, is
known about the German settlers in Erie county, before the beginning of the
present century.

Anton Eickhoffs claim in Der Deutschen Heimath , page 229, that a Ger-
man Polander, by name Sodowsky, established a trader’s post at the beginning
of the past century, and before 1728, on the southern shore of Lake Erie, at
the present site of Sandusky, is not sufficiently substantiated. His claim that
Sandusky received its name from this trader is disputed by the noted historian
George Bancroft, and others.

The German element may, without fear of contradiction, though, celebrate
its centennial in Erie county, in kind remembrance of the good deeds of the
Moravians, who established a mission in Milan township in 1787, under the
leadership of David Zeisberger and Johann Heckenwelder. History should
spare them a page, and fame should keep alive the names of these heroes that
sought out the rude savages of the forest and did what they could to civilize
and elevate them.

The first permanent settlements in Erie county were made in the first and
second decades of the present century, in about the following chronological or-
der: Townships — Huron and Vermillion, 1S0S; Portland and Groton, 1S09;
Berlin and Milan, 1810; Margaretta and Oxford, 1810; Florence, 1811.

■

History of Erie County.

236

No German names appear in the list of the first settlers excepting the name
of a Mohawk German, Peter Cuddeback, who settled in Vermillion township
in 1810, about two miles west of the river. He died in 1833. In the sprint
of 1828 Martin Eldis (originally litis), settled in Portland township, Sanduskv,
and opened a bakery and provision store on Water street, at a place known in
our days as “Turner Hall.” Martin Eldis was born at Munster, St. Gregori-
enthal, Elsass, January 4, 179S, and emigrated to America in 1817. He was
married in 1827 to Louise Guckenberger, at Cincinnati, O., and died on No-
vember 28, 1852, leaving to his wife and children an abundant share of earthly
goods.

“We were not welcomed,” said the old esteemed lady to the writer, “on
our arrival sixty years ago, we were advised to better move on; if it had not
have been for the steamboat trade,” she continued, “ we never could have made
a living in the first year or two. By and by though, the inborn element be-
came more friendly to us, and learned to respect our ways. For nearly four
years we were the only German family in this hamlet, and in all probability in
the county.”

In the following lines a list of names of the German settlers is given, who lo-
cated permanently in Erie county between 1830-40. In some instances it was
extremely difficult to obtain accurate information, not only because of the
vagueness of memory, but of the imperfection of records. Again, the lives of
some of our most esteemed pioneers have been made a target by an illiterate
and unscrupulous writer, and for said reasons they were reluctant, and withheld
information that otherwise would have been of great value. As it is, we claim,
that this list is as complete and reliable as circumstances will permit :

Portland township, (Sandusky), population: 1820, 300 souls; 1830, 594
souls; 1840, 1,500 souls.

The Booss family who settled here in 1833 was possessed of great wealth in
the old country. When Roesel, one of the family engaged to become married,
some remarks were made about her diminutive stature. Her father simply
said, “ If Roesel will stand on a half bushel of crown dollars she will not look
so small.” And he was perfectly able to redeem his pledge. This happened
in the good old time. The Booss family, who emigrated to America years af-
ter, was still in possession of considerable means. Of nine children that left
Bahlingen, in Baden, more than half a century ago, only two are living, Mrs.
John Schmidt and Mrs. Aug. Hornung.

Fred George Booss was born November 9, 1812, and was married on
Christmas eve, 1836, to Christine Rohrbacker, in Sandusky. He worked in
Martin Eldis’s bakery for years, and became the proprietor of the Portland
House, one of the old landmarks of Sandusky. He died in i860; his wife sur-
vived him many years; she died in 1S86. Jacob, who had a butcher stand,
died in 1876. His widow lives on East Market street. William was drowned

Mnil ’ ■ . -

The German Element.

237

years ago. Martin died in Toledo in 1885. Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. J. Bauer, and
Mrs. Peter Gilcher sleep at the side of their life companions at Oakland Ceme-
tery.

The Magle family settled here in 1832. The two brothers were born in
Mehringen, Wurtemberg, and emigrated in 1831, making Sandusky their home
in the following year. They were blacksmiths by trade. George Magle was
born March 21, 1814, and was married in 1835 to Theodora Mahler. He was
one of the founders of the First German Evangelical Church in Sandusky, and
a member of the Ancient Order of Druids. He died July 15, 1882, on his farm
near the county poor-house. His brother John preceded him on his last jour-
ney many years ago.

John Hoken settled here in 1833. Very little of his family record could be
ascertained. He was a stone-cutter by trade, and a sample of his masterly work
representing sun, moon and stars, may be admired at any time in passing Nic.
Biglin’s house on Market street. He died in the cholera time, 1849, dropping
dead in front of the National House, and it is a common popular belief that he
was buried alive.

Peter Gilcher was born at Essweiler, Rheinbayern, on May 24, 1812, and
emigrated to America in 1833, arriving in New York City June 24th. He was
a carpenter, and worked faithfully at his trade for years. The Venice Mill
was built by him and Fred Reinheimer. He started into the lumber busi-
ness about 1845, his yard being located at the corner of Hancock and Jeffer-
son street. The business rapidly increased, and was transferred to its present
location on Water street in 1853. He was married to Christine Barbara Booss
on May 2, 1837. Of a large family of eleven children three died in their in-
fancy, eight surviving: Magdalena Heck, Wilhelm Heinrich Gilcher, Peter Gil-
cher, Christine Barbara Kunz, Carl August, Heinrich Johann, Josephine Ma-
tem and Louise Reif. P. Gilcher was one of the founders of the First Ger-
man Protestant Church in Sandusky, and its presiding officer for many years,
tor political honors he cared little, devoting his time principally to business
and his family. In later years he served his constituents as infirmary di-
rector, councilman and water- works trustee. He was at the time of his death
vice-president of the Third National Bank. In all his dealings he was honest
and highly respected by his fellow-citizens. He died July 1, 1877. His wife,
Christine, followed him two years later, on August 3.

Henry Laubsher was born in Weingarten, Baden, and emigrated to Amer-
lca with his wife, Catharine, in 1833, making Sandusky his home in the same
year. Of the four children of their married life only one is now living, Mrs.
Catharine Neumeyer, born May 16, 1834. She is, as far as the writer could as-
certain, the second German girl born in the city. Mr. Laubscher was a mason
by trade. He died in 1847, and his wife, Catharine, in 1883.

Nicolaus Biglin, originally Bueglin, is one of the oldest settlers in Sandusky.

238

History of Erie County.

He was born in Arlesheim, Canton Basel, Switzerland, on February 12, 1817,
and came to America with his parents in 1832. The family settled in Rich-
land county, near Mansfield, O., where his father died in 1833. In 1835 thev
moved to Sandusky. Mr. Biglin was married to Christine Louise Hornung
June 12, 1847. Six of their children are now living: Marie Louise Ernst, John
Louis, Louise Schoeneman, Nicolaus, Edward and Augustus Eberhard. Mr.
Biglin was a common laborer, and retired from work some years ago, enjoying
with his wife, excellent health and a well deserved rest.

Johannes Hornung and his wife, Anna Maria Reichenecker, emigrated to
America with a family of six children in 1833. Rummelsbach, Oberamt Tu-
bingen, Wurtemberg, was their former home. For a short time they lived in#
Pennsylvania and Richland county, O., and in 1835 moved to Sandusky. Mr.
Hornung died of cholera in 1849, an<^ his wife, Anna Maria, in 1830. Five of
their children are now living : Johannes, Christiana Biglin, August Wilhelm,
Jacob and Albert.

Christopher Daniel. The Daniel family had their former home in Dorn-
diel, Kreis Tieburg, Hessen Darmstadt. Christopher was born February 25,
1813, and emigrated with his wife, Marie, in 1835, making Sandusky his home
in the same year. He was a blacksmith, and worked at his trade in the S. M.
and N. R. R. shop till 1849. In the fall of that year he bought the Loftier
property on the corner of Market and Fulton streets, and became engaged in
the grocery business. His first wife died July 10. 1850. He was married again
the following year, and died of cholera at his brother Peter’s place in Perkins
township on August 3, 1852. His second wife, Veronica, died in 1886. Pe-
ter Daniel, his brother, was a tailor by trade; after working a few years at Put-
in-bay Isle he moved into Perkins township, on a piece of land he had bought.
He died in 1880. His wife, Dorothea, is living at this writing.

Jacob Lay, a son of Christian and Barbara (Stein) Lay, was born at Schafi-
hausen, Baden, in 1814, and came to Sandusky with his wife, Maria Anna Balz-
meyer, in 1836. He was the pioneer in Erie county in the brewing business,
manufacturing small beer. He kept a grocery store at the corner of Water and
Hancock streets, where L. Guth’s hotel is now located. He died in the first
cholera epidemic of 1849. His three sons, Henry, Jacob and John L.,are en-
gaged in the fishing business, under the firm name of Lay Bros. Christian
Lay, the father, died in La Porte, Indiana. Barbara, his wife, died many years
ago in the old country. p

John Martin Zimmerman was born April 13, 1807, in Buechenau, Oberamt
Brugsal, Baden, and crossed the ocean with his life companion, Louise, in the
spring of 1834. His wife, Louise, dying on shipboard, found a watery grave a
few days before he landed on the shore of this country. He was married to his
second wife, Margaretha Fisher, on December 9, 1834, in Sandusky, and en-
joyed all the blessings of a happy life with her for nearly fifty years. Of their

•- •> > . • • " > i I

The German Element.

^39

twelve children, five are now living: Martin, Joseph, Mrs. Margaretha Embse
(widow), Johann, and Mrs. Maria Fitzpatrick. Mr. Zimmerman was a weaver,
but did not follow his trade in this country. His first home was located on
Wayne street, where L. Herb’s livery stable is located at present. For years
he worked in Hollister’s warehouse, established himself as a drayman after-
wards, and retired from work in i860, having run a saloon on Wayne street for
several years. He died on December 14, 1884. His wife, Margaretha, pre-
ceded him in 1881. John Fisher and the Guenther family in the German set-
tlement, Perkins township, all came to this country in the same boat.

The Schuck family consisting of father, Jacob, and two sons, Jacob j r. , and
John, emigrated to America in 1833. Their former home was in Essweiler,
Rheinpfalz, Bavaria. In Albany, N. Y., they parted. Jacob, jr. , the older of
the two brothers remained with his wife in Albany, intending to make it his
future home ; his father and brother, John, went west. Their path was not
strewn with roses. A few weeks of hard work in a trench and Jacob broke
his leg and to fill the measure his wife died in the same year and was buried
in Albany. Left in a strange country, without means or funds he had only
one desire, to meet again his father and brother, who in the meantime had di-
rected their steps to Buffalo, N. Y., and in their nomade wanderings to Ken-
ton, Massillon and Seneca county, O., where they finally had stranded. Here
they met again in the summer of 1834 and kept council. It was decided to
give' Sandusky a trial, and with the royal fortune of fifty cents in their pockets
did they walk all the way to the Bay City. A small house on Jackson street,
near where Biemiller’s Opera House is located now, gave them their first shel-
ter. They went to work the next day. The building occupied at this writ-
ing by Barney & Ferris on Water street, was then in course of construction
and they busied themselves carrying up bricks, the father for seventy- five and
John for fifty cents per day. It would occupy too much space to go into de-
tail, but it is sufficient to say that perseverance and faithfulness received a proper
reward. The father, Jacob, born in 1781, lived long enough to see his chil-
dren well provided for in life. He died in 1861. Jacob, jr., the oldest son, was
born February 22, 1802, and married his second wife, Magdalena Benz, in 1834
,n Sandusky. He worked for six or seven years in a warehouse and became
engaged afterwards in the dray business. He died March 1 1, 1879, at his
homestead on Adams street. His wife, Magdalene, died June 12, 1875. His
four children now living are Mrs. Marie Pietchman, Mrs. Julia Schumacher,
Mrs. Wilhelmine Fisher and Mrs. Christine Schumaker. A son by the first
marriage is now living in Minnesota. John Schuck, born April 22, 1817, and
married in 1840 to Louise Knerr, is the representative of the family in Erie
county. He is the oldest Germart settler in Sandusky with the exception of
one- His wife, Louisa, died in her seventieth year, May 9, 1S83. Mr. Schuck
retired from active life about 1871, having accumulated considerable property.

240

History of Erie County.

Of the five children of wedded life, four have died, only one now living, Ran-
del Schuck, born October 6, 1843, a partner in the prosperous lumber firm of
Gilcher & Schuck, located on Water street, a stone’s throw from where his
father and grandfather found their first shelter.

Gottlieb Schieble. The Schiebles had their former home in Switzerland,
in the village Fisselsbach, Canton Aargau, and emigrated to America in
1832. Gottlieb was a mere lad of eleven years, when his parents, John
Louis and Maria Schieble left the old homestead to better their condition in
life. In the same year they settled in Richland county, O., six miles west of
Shelby, and moved to Huron village, Erie county, in 1836. In 1842 they
made Sandusky their permanent home. Gottlieb, born February 27, 1821,
started for himself in 1834. There must have been something of the idyllic
life of an Alpine shepherd boy in him, when he hired himself to James Fore-
man in Sandusky, in 1S34, to take charge of a thousand or more sheep, that
found an abundant pasture ground, and gratis, where Sandusky stands to-
day. Foreman (old settlers will remember. him well as an outspoken advocate
of the doctrines that found a champion in Bob Ingersoll) paid him three dollars
per month and board. In 1836 he started to work for L. S. Beecher; a few
years later he became a sailor and crossed the lakes till he entered the port of
matrimony with Catharine Homegartner in January, 1850. Of the seven chil-
dren of wedded life, five are living, Maria Price, Joseph, Frank, Henry and
William. Gottlieb resides on Clinton street. Sandusky, and is in easy circum-
stances. He owns a small farm of about fourteen acres near the brick mill in
Margaretta township. His father died in the first cholera (’49) and his mother,
Maria, in 1882.

Johann Fehrenz came here in 1834.

“ Froehlich Pfalz
Gott Er'nalt’s ! **

It was a balmy day in the spring of 1833, when the Fehrenz family said good-
by to friends, neighbors, and made their parting call to the dear ones slumber-
ing in the little graveyard of Welgsweiler in Rhefnpfalz, one consolation it was
that trusted friends, the Schuck family and Peter Gilcher and Fred Reinhei-
mer took passage on the same boat to share their lot. Without question many
a tear was shed when the songs of the old fatherland died slowly away in the
stillness of the night and when they timidly directed their thoughts to what
would become of them in a strange land. John Fehrenz felt confident that his
strong muscular arms and his trade as blacksmith, would well support his lov-
ing wife and his two children. He was in the prime of life, being born on June
1 7, 1795, and his wife, Julianna Steinhauer, was ready and willing to help him ;
as for the children Philippine was in her twelfth year and Charles in his fourth,
and they should share in what they honestly expected to accomplish in their
new home. It is well that providence does not acquaint us with our destinies

The German Element.

241

as otherwise it would lame our hands before having made an earnest effort. In
the summer of 1833 the family located in Massillon, 0., and Fehrenz started
to work at his trade. In the year following his wife died and was buried at
that place. In the winter of 1S34 he moved with his motherless children to
Sandusky and opened a blacksmith shop on Wayne street, next to the old
Hoelzer House, his earnings being insufficient though for support, he moved
back to Massillon where he faithfully worked at the anvil from 1836-46, when
lie retraced his steps to the Bay City. His two children had, in the meantime,
grown up and were in a condition to take care of themselves. His daughter,
Philippine, born January 30, 1823, had in 1840 taken Peter Unckrich as a
partner, and Charles, born August 9, 1829, had found employment in a shop.
Hack then in Sandusky they opened a provision store and saloon on Water street
next door to the old Bethel Church, under the firm name of Fehrenz & Unck-
rich. In 1849 John Fehrenz entered for the second time the bonds of matri-
mony. His life companion, Caroline, did go him one better, having buried
two husbands, Boehm and Reber in succession. Her dower consisted princi-
pally in the two children, Amalia Boehm and Frederick Boehm, being nine and
eleven years old respectively. In he.r sixteenth year Amalia was married to
Ferdinand Geiersdorf, who became one of the most popular Germans in San-
dusky, and was elected mayor repeatedly by a rousing popular vote. He ac-
cumulated great wealth in the fish business; his goodness was proverbial. He
died September 22, 1870, lamented by all who knew the kindness of his heart.
His widow, Amalia, married again in 1872, choosing Louis Adolph as a part-
ner (Adolph & Zollinger). She died on February 9, 1888. Fred, her broth-
er, is foreman in the extensive fish business of his brother-in-law.

Old Father Fehrenz, as he was commonly called, reached an old age. He
was a founder of the first German Church, and although he left no fortune his
children inherited an honored name without a speck or stain.

Philippine’s husband, Peter Unckrich, was born May 17, 1817, in Hoch-
staedten, Rheinpfalz, and emigrated in 1837. He died September 23, 1870.
The children born to them are all living in Sandusky (excepting one) and are
highly respected. They are Julianne Bauer, Crawford county; Elizabeth Ker-
ner, Philippine Koegele, Emilie Zimmerman, Carl, Johann and Ferdinand.
The widow, Philippine, now resides on the corner of Clinton and Madison
streets.

Charles Zollinger came to this county in 1835. the list of German pi-
oneers the Zollingers take a well deserved place. Uprightness and fairness in
all their dealings, and an exemplary Christian life call for a more than passing
notice. Charles Zollinger was born July 23, 1813, in Wiessbaden, Nassau, and
emigrated to America in 1835. He was a wood-turner by profession and
niade Sandusky his permanent home in the same year. His stepfather, W ill-
’•ani Meyer, and his mother, Johanette, settled in Richland county, where they

242

History of Erie County.

lived on a farm for several years. They subsequently moved to Sandusk>
and then to Fort Wayne, Ind., where they died, being respectively seventy-
five and eighty-three years of age. Charles being a skillful mechanic found
ready work in Thomas White’s cabinet shop on Hancock street, near the east
Market Square, and was in his employ for nearly five years. Whenever you
pass O. Follett's house on the corner of Wayne and Adams streets, look up to
the bannister’s and scroll work, they are samples of his work dating back to
1836. In 1840 Charles Zollinger branched out for himself on the corner of
Wayne and Washington streets, by renting a wooden structure belonging to
the Clemons family on the Peninsula. He employed from four to six work-
men all the year round. In those days nothing was known about “ cheap
John " goods, everything was substantial and made to last for a generation or
two. Improved machinery and cheap labor put an end to this as well as
many other industries that were prosperous in the good old time. In the
cholera of 1849 his shop was running day and night to meet the demand for
coffins, plain and unfinished as they were. In 1863 he moved his shop to
Wayne street, next door to the corner of Market. Undertaking had then be-
come the most remunerative part of his business. He retired in 1868 in pos-
session of considerable wealth. Christ R. Ruff (member of the firm of Ruff,
Son & Kugler) became his successor. Charles Zollinger was married in 1839
to Christine Schmidt, who was born April 14, 1821, in Bahlingen, Baden. Of
the twelve children born to them in married life ten are now living, viz.:
Maria Nagele, Sandusky; John, Adolph and Zollinger; Henriette Weiss, San-
dusky; Catharine Schneer, Elyria; Carl, Columbus; Christine Crass, San-
dusky ; Elizabeth, Sandusky ; William, Powers & Zollinger ; Frederick, Third
National Bank; and Frank, Sandusky. Mr. Zollinger died in 1S68. His
widow is enjoying good health and the fruit of hard and honest work.

Johannes Schmidt was in Bahlingen, Baden, in 1784, and emigrated with
his wife, Catharine Ernst, in 1833. He was a baker by profession. Their
journey through France was accomplished by wagon. In Havre de Grace
they took passage with the Booss family on the sailing vessel Henry Clay.
The Booss family were very wealthy, said the Widow Zollinger, in conversa-
tion to the writer, the chest containing their money and valuables was heavy
enough to require two men to lift it on the wagon. For seven long weeks
did they encounter wind and storm on the ocean. At their arrival in New
York they directed their steps to the metropolis of the west, Sandusky. The
steamboat Perry landed them safely near the B. and O. R.R. shops. A little
house on Water street was their first home, but they did not stay more than
two or three weeks, when they moved to Richland county, the El Dorado in
those days, as the name plainly signifies. Here Johannes Schmidt settled with
his wife and children, here he toiled and died. Eand was cheap in those days,
fifty dollars paid for their first homestead of forty acres, but it was a wilder-

The German Element.

ness, tasking physical strength to the utmost. In order to lessen the burden
the older children left the parental roof and came to Sandusky in 1834, where
Christine found work in Hollister’s family and John in a baker sho.p. John
lived only a short time in Sandusky when he moved to Fremont, Toledo, and
in the gold fever to California. In 1852 he came back to Sandusky and en-
gaged in the wholesale liquor business on Water street with his brother-in-law
Parsons. He died several years ago. His wife is living on Jackson street.
Johannes Schmidt died February 22, 1870, and his wife, Catharine, on Janu-
ary 16 of the same year. The names of their children are as follows: Chris-
tine Zollinger, Maria Barbara Holderman, Elizabeth Nicolai, Frederick, John,
Catharine Klink and Rosine Schroeder.

Valentin Nicolai was born in Saxonia in 1806 and emigrated in 1834. He
worked at his trade, that of carpenter, for many years with Peter Gilcher and
F. R. Rheinheimer. In 1837 he was married to Elizabeth Schmidt; of their
six children four are now living: Frederick, residing in Tiffin; Ezra, also a
resident of Tiffin ; Johannes, residing in Cincinnati, and Christine Scheer, of
Michigan. Mr. Nicolai died of the cholera in the epidemic of 1849. His
widow is living at the Rohrbacher homestead in Perkins township.

Johannnes Heimgartner (Homegardner) was born in Fisselsbach, Canton
Aargau, Switzerland, and emigrated with his wife, Catharine, to America in
1833. He settled in Richland county, O., in the same year, on a farm con-
sisting of one hundred acres, which he had bought for ten shillings per acre,
the regular market price in those days. In 1837 he sold his farm, doubling
his money, and moved to Sandusky, where he died in 1840. His widow sur-
vived him twenty-six years. Following are the names of the children of this
marriage : Barbara McHatton, widow ; George, Catharine Schieble, Eliza-

beth Hauck, widow; John and Jasper. The three brothers were engaged in
their earlier days in the timber business, felling the stately oak and hickory
trees near Venice. They found a ready market whenever they came to San-
dusky with their oxen teams.

John Homegardner, representative of the family in Erie county, was born
December 20, 1829, and was married in 1852 to Marie Loeblein. In i860 he
engaged in the wood, sand and stone business, and has become one of the
most substantial business men of the town. He has served his constituents
for many years in different capacities, being elected councilman in the fifth
ward. He held this office for twenty-one consecutive years. In 1881 he was
elected county commissioner, and retired in 1887, after six years of service.
He was a member of the Buckeye l7ire Company for eight years. The Home-
gardners are devout Catholics. Of their six children five are now living:
Catharine Giedeman, John, Louise, Josephine and Fred.

Conrad Poppenbo settled here in 1835. conversation with his step-son,
Herman Windau, the following interesting sketch of the first German engineer

244

History of Erie County.

on the old Mad River road was taken : “ My step-father, Conrad Poppenbo,"
he said, “was married to my mother, Lucaea Burman, in the old country fifty
years ago. My father, Anton Riedenbusch, had his residence in the cast:-
Windau, Westphalia, and was a high officer in the government service. He
died in 1832. For some reason our mother never acquainted us with our
father’s name till we were grown up, and we had in the meantime adopted the
name of our former estate, ‘ Windau.’ The family consisted of five of us when
we emigrated in 1835, my parents and three of us children, viz.: Joseph Ried-
enbusch-Windau ; Moritz Riedenbusch, Seneca county ; and Hermann, of
Sandusky. Sandusky became our home in the same year, and I have lived
and worked here faithfully for nearly half a century.’’ Standing in the yard
of the old Mad River Company’s shops he pointed out a landmark; “where
you see the three old oak trees near the Market street entrance,” he said.
“ Davidson’s slaughter-house was standing fifty years ago ; to your left and
only a short distance from the paint-shop was the boundary line of the firu.
burying-ground in Sandusky, that was located at the foot of Shelby street
Everything has changed. I was a mere lad of twelve or thirteen years when
the first road to Bellevue was surveyed in 1839, but I recollect it as well as
to-day, when I was carrying the chain and made myself generally useful.
After the strap rails were laid Thomas Hogg became the first engineer on the
primitive branch of the road, and my step-father, Conrad, became his fireman
Jn my recollection the Lane, Erie, Sandusky and Wyandotte were, in the
order named, the first engines operated on this road. The crew consisted cl
three men, an engineer and a fireman, and wood passer. They worked by the
day and received $1.50 and $1.00 respectively. It was customary in those
days that everybody had to work himself up on the ladder. After Thomas
Hogg’s promotion to the place of master mechanic, my father took charge
of Tom’s engine, and Paul Klauer, who settled here in 1837, became h:s
fireman. After Klauer’s promotion, a few years later, he engaged John Hauer
as fireman, who, in due time, was entrusted with an iron horse of his own.
Both died of the cholera in 1849. Paul Klauer, in harness, being taken sick
on the road, was carried from his engine into the station-house at Urbana.
where he died. His widow, Catharine, was married in 1852 for the second
time, choosing Math. Dietz as a partner. She is living on Fulton street in
feeble health. ‘This reminds me,’ said my captive, ‘of a curious affair that
occurred in the first years after the old Mad River road became operated. A
young man, by name Besterman, had found employment on one of the loco-
motives as fireman, and had made a trip or two when his work terminated
rather abruptly. His aged mother, after having implored him to give up the
devil’s work, threw herself bodily before his engine as he was ready to pu:
®ut, and prayed so fervently to give up the devil’s wagon that her prayer was
answered. He resigned the same day and moved subsequently to Cincinnati

The German Element.

245

with his mother.’ My step-father, C. Poppenbo, resigned his post in 1859,
and died six years ago on a farm which he had bought out of his savings, in
I3ig Spring township, Seneca county.” Hermann Windau said : “As for my-
self, I was born on June 24, 1826, and worked on this road from boyhood, at
first in the yard, then as wood passer, and for years past, as you see me now,
attending the boiler in our extensive shops. I was married to my wife, Marie
Eva Caspar, in 1847. Of our seven children, five are now living. You had
better see old Kenne and Hank Pfenner, if I have left space for supplement-
ing,” he said, as I closed my book with many thanks for the interesting in-
terview.

Johann Loffler settled in this county in 1835. Every one of the old set-
tlers will recollect the Loffiers, and these lines will bring to memory their
tragic end. It seems cruel that the cold hand of death should exterminate a
whole family of six within the short period of a week or two, leaving a helpless
baby to the cold mercies of this world. Johann Loffler was born in Rentheim,
Bavaria, and was a tailor by trade. He emigrated to America in 1835, an<^
was married to Catharine, in Sandusky, in the same year. He became quite
prosperous from the start, and acquired a little property on the corner of Ful-
ton and Market streets, where he worked at his trade and kept a saloon and
boarding-house in combination. In 1846 he built the commodious brick house
on the corner, owned at present by Anselm Albrecht. In the meantime he
had added a selected stock of groceries to his business. Here they lived hap-
pily and prospered until 1849, when the cholera overtook them alike with
countless other families in Sandusky. Of a once happy family circle none
was left excepting John, the babe, who in his innocent prattle betrayed no
signs of grief. We give the death record of this unfortunate family: John
and Catharine Loeffler ; George, aged eleven; Francisca, aged eight years;
Conrad, aged six years ; and Wilhelm, aged four years. John, although in-
heriting the old homestead, is a poor man. The administration for many years
swallowed up a large share of the estate, and what finally passed into his hands
"‘as quickly lost, as he had no chance in his former dependent life to acquire
correct business principles, and was left without a guiding hand. He is now
»n his fortieth year, honest to a fault, and single. With him will die the last
of the Loefflers.

Fred Reinheimer settled here in 1833. As a young man of twenty-two
years did Mr. Reinheimer leave his native village in Bavaria to better himselt
,n the new world. He was a carpenter by trade and worked side by side with
frk‘ter Gilcher and Valentine Nicolai for years. He accumulated considerable
Property, but was so unfortunate as to lose it again. His last days were passed
In almost total blindness. He could have saved himself from ruin, had he
chosen, but he preferred rather to live and die in scantiness than to deviate
from the path of honor. He was one of the founders of the first German Prot-
32

■

246

History of Erie County.

estant Church in Sandusky. He was born February 15, 1811, in Horschbach,
Rheinpfalz and was married in 1840. His first wife died in 1849 °f cholera.
Elizabeth Gartner became his second wife. She is living on Meigs street in a
little house of her own. Seventeen children were born in the two marriages
Mr. Rheinheimer died March 13, 1882.

John Jacob Klooss (Close) and his wife, Magdalene Walter, had their former
home in the Grand Duchy of Baden, in Weingarten and Groetzingen, respec-
tively. They joined hands in 1829 and it was God’s will that they should mu-
tually share for fifty years the joy and sorrow of a married life. Two children,
John Henry and John Jacob were born in the old county. In the spring of
1834, they emigrated to America, arriving at Sandusky in May. In this city
they lived and worked for half a century, with the exception of six years (37-43)
when Massillon, O., became their temporary home. Nine children were born
to them, including the two born in the old country. At their festive day of
golden wedding, in the fall of 1879, they could count the Closes by the score,
nine children, forty grandcnildren and two great-grandchildren. Klooss was a
day laborer, but managed to acquire a home of his own in a short time. He
was a respected and well loved citizen. He was one of the founders of the
first German Protestant Church. He died July 22, and his wife in February,
1880.

A practical joke, played on him only a few years after his coming to San-
dusky, may find a place here, it will bring a smile even to the lips of a misan-
thrope. Close was very found of poultry and fancied his ducks especially.
One night they failed to reach their home and nothing was heard or seen of
them for several days ; all hopes of their recovery had long been given up,
when in the morning a solitary duck entered the gate with the following orig-
inal poem well secured on her neck :

** Guten Morgen, Herr Klooss !

Hier bin ich, arm und Blooss,

Doch meine arme Camerathen
Sind alle Gebrathen !”

The perpetrator has not been found to this day.

Henry Sprau came to this place in 1839. Two old, time worn papers are
before me, the one a citizen paper dated September 26, 1844, and signed by
Rice Harper, clerk of Erie county, and the other a Dienstbuch, from which
I copy the following entry :

“ Das betragen von Meiner
Mackt is gut, welches
Ich bescheinige.’'

27th December, 1836.

“Johannes Ross,

“ZU WURZELBACH.”

As an explanation I will say, that servants were under strict police control fifty
years ago in the old country and that by a heavy penalty, their conduct had

The German Element.

247

to be written into a special book (Dienstbuch) every year by the head of the
family they were employed by. They were not allowed to change their places
without due cause and reason before the expiration of the contract. The first
twelve pages of this interesting little book gives in twenty-two articles, the laws
passed in 1838 in Hessen, regulating the conduct and duties of servants. For
the edification of those interested, one of the articles is given in translation :
Article VIII. Servants not born in the district where employed, shall forci-
bly— auf dem schub — be expelled and taken to the nearest boundary line
for the following reasons, viz :

1st. For breaking their contract without cause.

2d. For absenting themselves at night time without permission of the lady
of the house.

3d. For associating with bad company.

4th. For changing places repeatedly in a year’s time.

5th. For contracting at the same time with different parties.

The citizen paper bears the name of Henry Sprau ; the “ Dienstbuch ” was
at one time the property of his second wife, Marie J ustine Bauer. Henry Sprau

was born in Waldshausen, Bavaria, in 1815 and emigrated in 1839, making
Sandusky his permanent home, where he was engaged in the dray business for
thirty years. He was married twice. One of the three sons of his first mar-
riage, Henry, is living at Put-in-bay Island. With his second wife, Marie Jus-
tine, he had eight children, four of whom are now living viz : Paul, Marie,
Wilhelm and Susie. Mr. Sprau died in September, 1869, and his second wife
on March 27, 1874. He left to his children a homestead on Adams street.

Conrad Ebner emigrated to America with his wife, Catharine Biehler, in
1836. Their wealth consisted principally in three helpless waifs, Marie three
years old, Peter, nearly two years, and Caroline, nine months. After a short
stay in Sandusky they moved into Richland county, where they settled on
a farm, returning to Sandusky in 1845, where they died. Their children
live and prosper in this city. Peter, now a confectioner on Market street ;
Marie, wife of Conrad Mooss, residing on Decatur street, and Caroline, widow
of Ph. Walter, residing on Tiffin avenue.

Jacob Knerr, whose home was in Battenbach, near Zweibruecken, Bavaria,
"here he kept a tavern, engaged, in his spare hours, in the honest profes-
sion of tailor. His wife, Elizabeth Margarethe Schweitzer, having died, he
took heart to cross the ocean with his four children, Louise, Catharine Eliza-
beth, Catharine and Elizabeth. Almanacs could not have been as plenti-
ful then as now. The similarity in names was perplexing enough to cost
the writer a couple of hours work to cut the Gordian Knot. Louise became
the wife of John Schuck, and died in 1883; Catharine Elizabeth was married to
Matthew Dietz and died in 1851; Catharine became Paul Klauer’s wife and suc-
ceeded her sister, after her husband’s death in Urbana, in marrying M. Dietz,

248

History of Erie County.

and Elizabeth, Jacob Hertels first wife, died in . Mr. Knerr worked fora

short time at his trade, when he retired, to live with his children. He was one
of the founders of the First German Protestant Church in Sandusky and used
to busy himself as sexton of his church for years. He died in 1849 of cholera.

Jacob Benz came to Sandusky in 1834. If there is anything in a name it
is not easily comprehended why the village of Weingarten (Vinegarden) in
Baden should have furnished such an unusual large contingent of early settlers
In this as in many other instances can the real cause be traced to repeated
failures in crops and high and accumulating taxes; again the whole town was
intermarried and the glowing letters from the new world spread like wild fire
and awakened a desire to participate in all the blessings so vividly described.
Jacob Benz, sr., was one of the :many that left Weingarten in 1834 with his wife,
Barbara Meyer. He was a weaver but never worked at his trade in this coun-
try. He made his living as a day laborer and drayman. On account of the
deep interest he took in the establishment of the First German Protestant
Church, he earned the name of Church Father (Kirchen-father) Benz. Of the
original eleven founders of this church only one or two are living at this writ-
ing. Of the five children born in wedlock two have died viz.: Mrs. Jacob
Schuck and Christian. The Benz family is represented in Erie county by Ja-
cob jr., a drayman ; Eva Catharine Reinheimer, Barbara Walter. Jacob Benz.

sr., died in , and his wife, Barbara, in . Jacob Benz, jr., was born

Juiy 23, 1823, in Weingarten, Baden, and was married in 1847 to Christina
Wagner in Sandusky, O. Seven children were born to them, all of whom are
now living: Christine Waterfield, Elizabeth Bersch, Port Clinton; Fred, Car-
oline Belt, Toledo, O. ; Marie Moore, Julia Hayden, Indiana, and Jessie Hoe-
lein.

Johann Heinrich Platz was Pennsylvania German and was born near Beth-
lehem, January 7, 1819. He came to Sandusky in 1832, where he learned the
carpenter trade with Sam White, sr. In 1845 he was married to Margarethe
Bauer. He was a charter member of the First German Protestant Church and
an organizer of the first fire company in Sandusky. He died in the prime of
life on July 22, 1849, of cholera. His widow became the wife of J. Clemens
in 1851. J. Clemens died in May, 1888.

John Koegle, who came here in 1839, was a son of Jacob and Catharine
Koegle, and was born September 23, 1813, in Weingarten, Baden, and emi-
grated with his wife, Maria Eva Meyer, and their infant daughter, Elizabeth,
in 1837, making Sandusky their permanent home in 1839. Elizabeth was mar-
ried to P'erdinand Ziegler, and died a year ago. Of the six children born to
them in this country only two are now living viz.: George, the efficient street
commissioner, and August, the prosperous dry goods merchant of Hancock
street. For thirty-six years did John Koegle work faithfully for the old San-
dusky, Mansfield and Newark, and the B. and O. R. R. He retired a few years

The German Element.

249

a<r0 to pass the years of his allowance in peace and rest. His first wife died in
1861. Susanna Gablentz became his second partner. Two sons and one
daughter are the fruits of this marriage.

John Klauss came here in 1835. No reliable information could be ascer-
tained about this family. Mr. Klauss was a day laborer and was married in
Sandusky. They had no children. He died in the last cholera time (1854).
His widow moved to Elmore, O., where she married again.

Gottfried and Charles Doerflinger came here in 1836. A majestic bronze
statue “ Under den Linden ” in Berlin represents Doerflingcr, the general in
chief, the hero of the battle of Fehrbellin (1675), the trusted friend of Fred-
erick of Brandenburg, who laid the corner stone to Prussia’s present might and
glory. A poor tailor in his younger days did he exchange the yard stick
for the sword and became a hero, immortalized in song and speech. Gott-
fried the subject of our sketch, has seen similar changes in his life ; a tailor like
him — although the habitations in the old country are too far apart as to admit
of any relation — did he exchange the yard stick for the terror of unruly boys,
the rod, and became the first German teacher in the public schools of San-
dusky many years ago. He commanded, like his namesake, an army, but
only of boys and girls, and worked his way faithfully and without any osten-
tation for more than thirty years. He retired a year or two ago to spend file
remainder of his life with his wife and children. Carl Doerflinger, his brother,
emigrated in the same year, 1836. He was born in Blankenloch, Baden, in
1825, and was married to Margarethe Maul in Sandusky in 1850. For more
than thirty years has he been in the employ of the Old Mad River Railroad
as carpenter. The names of the children of his family are given as follows :
Louise Prediger, Christine Bock, Frank and John.

Heinrich Walter came to Sandusky in 1835. His cradle stood in Kret-
zingen, Baden, where he was born in 1813. He emigrated in 1836 making
Sandusky his home until about ten years ago, when he settled with his grown
up boys on a well cultivated farm in Perkins township, about five miles from
town. Walter was married to Barbara, a daughter of old Jacob Benz, in San-
dusky. By trade he was a shoemaker, and managed to accumulate by hard
"ork sufficient means to pass his last days in comfort. Of the nine children
born in married life, six are living, viz.: Jacob Walter, Caroline Spiegel, Per-
kins township; Susanne Fischer, Middle Bass Tsle ; Wilhelm W., Johann W.
and Carl W. in Perkins.

Christian Engel came to Sandusky in 1835. Of the five children of John
Peter Engel and his wife Sophie I'rederika Eleonore Ernstine, two died in
tbe old home in Ostheim, P'or der Rhoen, in Saxonia ; the remaining three,
Christian, Christiane and Marie made Sandusky their home. Christian, the
oldest, became a resident as early as 1835. He was a shoemaker by trade,
and had his workshop where Kunzman’s hotel is located on Jackson street.

250

History of Erie County.

He was married in Sandusky to Maria Anne Biglin. A number of years ago
he left his bench and settled in Put-in-Bay Island, where he is engaged in the
grape culture. His children are living at the same place. Christiane Eliza-
beth was born March 8, 1812, and married in 1843 to John Christopher Klee,
and came with her husband to Sandusky a year before the first cholera. She
died in 1887. Her husband, and the only son, John, are living on Adams
street. Maria, the oldest one, was born in 1808, and married in the old coun-
try to Andreas Duennisch. After her husband’s death she made Sandusky
her home. She died in 1886. Her two sons are well provided for; Louis is
the manager of the Butlers’ planing mill, and Christian, the oldest, has become
a wealthy farmer in Margaretta township.

Daniel Reinheimer, a son of Peter and Elizabeth Reinheimer was born
in Horschbach, Bavaria, in 1815, and joined his uncle Fred in Sandusky in
1840. Regine Emele became his wife in 1844. Eleven children were born
to them. In 1854 the family' moved west and settled on a farm near Sheboy-
gan, Wis. Wilhelm R. was born in 1822, and made Sandusky his home in
1845, and was married two years later to Eva Catharine Benz. Nine children
were born to them, all are now living, except one. Wilhelm now resides on
Perry street. Jacob was born October 1, 1820, and was the last of the family
to. this country in company- with the aged parents. The old dayr book of
Peter Reinheimer is before me and I take liberty to copy' from it (translated).

1848, May 18, we left Horschbach this day-.

May 24, we arrived at London.

June 1, started on shipboard.

July 9, arrived at New York.

July 21, landed at Sandusky.

September 1, bought a lot for $330.

Build house same year fo.r $486.40.

Summary $816.40.

Old Peter Reinheimer and his wife died years ago. The children are liv-
ing, honest and industrious as they are, they' never accumulated means of any
account. The support of a large family' absorbed the earnings of a year's
hard work.

Adam Hemberle came here in 1 83 S. The Hemberle family, consisting of
the parents, Adam and his wife and five children, John, Frederick, Caroline,
Christine and Marie, left their former home, Blankenloch, in Baden, in tin-
spring of 1836, and settled on a farm in Crawford county, O., in the same
year. Two yrears later they' moved to Sandusky' where they lived and died
years ago. Of the five children only' three are now living: Frederika, wife oi
John Fisher ; Caroline, wife of Adam Bauer, and Marie, wife of Adam Zim-
mermacher. John and Christine, who was the wife of Casper Schneider are in
a better world. Mr. Hemberle was a day laborer and much respected.

The German Element.

251

Jacob Hopfinger was born in 1795 in Eisenthal, Rheinpfalz, and came to
Sandusky in 1840. His first wife, Sylvia Braun, died in the old country.
He married again, choosing Elizabeth Burghofer as a partner. Two of his
children are living in Sandusky, viz : Margarethe Weiss and Magdalene
Scherer. He died on June 12, 1879, in Ottawa county.

Conrad Linker came to Sandusky in 1839, and was a son of Heinrich and
Anna Elizabeth (Rudolph) Linker. He was born May 15, 1791, in Specks-
winkel, Hessen, and was married in 1818 in the old country to Christine Rose.
He left his home in 1832 with the intention to meet relatives in Crawford
county, O. His wife died almost in sight of their destination and was buried
in Mansfield. She was in her thirty-eighth year. In 1839 Linker moved to
Sandusky to live with his daughter Catharine Elizabeth, who had become the
wife of Jacob Hertel, the founder of the Baystadt Demokrat. He died of
cholera in 1849. The names of the children are given in chronological order :
Catharine Elizabeth Hertel, born June 10, 1819; Anna Elizabeth Schmidt,,
born January 30, 1822 ; Johannes, born July 18, 1824; Anna Catharine, May
17, 1827; Johannes F. born January 2, 1830.

The Merklein family settled in Sandusky about 1835. No reliable infor-
mation could be had about this family. They came to Sandusky about 1835,.
where they both died of the cholera in 1849. George Werner, formerly living
on the corner of Hancock and Madison streets, was a brother of Mrs. Merk-
lein ; he was a day laborer employed in the warehouse.

August Mueller settled here in 1835. His name would long have faded
from memory had not a rather peculiar incident occurred which kept it alive.
Sandusky, fifty years ago, afforded an excellent pasture ground, not only for
old Foreman’s sheep, but for a number of cows, that in a go-as-you-please
way, found food and water, shelter and shade among the hazel bushes of the
village. Mueller was the proud possessor of a cow, but it was a great chagrin
to him that his cow returned dry repeatedly, in the evening. A kind hearted
neighbor enlightened him that in all probability some one procured the
precious lacteal fluid without consent. Whether our friend August in his
younger days had read Cooper’s “ Lederstrumpf ” and the “ Last of the
Mohicans ” or not, we leave this an open question. He started on his war-
path, the scalping knife in his pocket, I see him plainly wend his way through
the bushes on hands and feet, and there he sits, the perpetrator of all his
Misery, leisurely abstracting the precious fluid. One warwhoop, one jump
and he had him by the ear, one cut and he had the trophy in his hands. His
friends persuaded him, as he apparently was not conscious of the enormity of
the crime, to take passage on a boat that was ready to leave for Buttalo on
the next morning. Between the two ports he worked on shipboard for nearly
two years, but never allowed his feet to touch the soil of this city, except
under the cover of night. He subsequently moved to St. Louis, and may

2 52

History of Erie County.

live there yet for all I know. His victim, Lemon, minus one ear, died years
ago in Sandusky.

Jacob Schmied, a son of Jacob A. and Catharine (Meyer) Schmied, settled
here in 1838. He was born in Oberendingen, Canton Aargau, Switzerland, on
June 8, 1820, and came with his parents to this country in 1829. They settled
on a farm. Jacob came to Sandusky in 1838, where he worked as a cooper for
many years in Post & Co.’s employ. He was married in 1857 to Margaretha
Rivers, and ten children were born to them. He died in 1884. His widow now
resides on Washington street.

Johann Caspar Ritter. The day-book of this unfortunate man is before me.
It gives in twenty-four pages an accurate account of his trip across the ocean.
It is dated April, 1837, aQd well preserved. I take the liberty to copy from it
as follows :

( Translation .) “ My name is John Caspar Ritter, merchant. I left Burg-
sinn, Hessen, on April 3, 1837, with my wife, Wilhelmine Charlotte, a daughter
of the game-keeper, Jungerman, of Mittelsinn, and our four children: Chris-
tiane Elizabeth, age nine years; Emilie Frederike Margarete, seven years;

Wilhelm Heinrich, five years ; Ernst Christoph, three years We

reached Fulda the same night Rothenburg the next day, and Cassel on the
fifth of April, 1837. . . . Weather-bound; the oldest inhabitants cannot

recollect a storm of such severity. Snow, reaching up to the middle of the win-
dows, and no living soul to be seen on the streets. ... A damper, but we
are determined to move on and regret only the delay. Victuals cheap, espe-
cially beer, and it is excellent. The officers are very polite ; everybody is ad-
dressed by ‘sie’ (you.) In presenting my passport I was offered a chair, and
repeatedly insisted upon to make use of it. Goettingen, April, 10th'

snow five and six feet deep in the streets; regular tunnels are constructed at the
-crossings; it looks like a labyrinth. Nordheim, 1 ith, Einbeck, April 13th, and
Bremen the 14th. Left Bremen May 1st on the sailboat “Isabella" Captain
F. Meyer. . . . May 16, my wife Emilie, Wilhelm and Ernst are seasick.

Christiane and myself are in good health and eat double rations. Ours are the
-only children on shipboard. . . . May 20, Emilie’s birthday; I gave her a

crown dollar as a keepsake. . . . Our board is excellent, and many wish

the voyage to last a year. Arrived at New York June 12, where we boarded on
John street, paying $12 per week for the family. My wife was confined on St
John’s day, (June 24, 1837) in this place. The mid-wife, Caroline Collman, wa-
skillful, and was educated in an institute in Wuerzburg. I paid her fifteen gul-
den for her services. We left New York July 6, and arrived at Buffalo July
14, reaching our destination, Huron, on the 16th, at 2 P. M

This is only a meagre abstract, but the original written in a bold hand test:-
fies in numerous instances of the great kindness and love Ritter had for hi?
family. Well educated, and in possession of means, he would, undoubtedly.

.nq A ..'U • ■

The German Element.

253

have become a prosperous and prominent citizen, had not the hand of a villain
terminated his life in a most cruel and unprovoked way. After a short stay in
Huron the family moved to Sandusky, where Ritter opened a general provis-
ion store on Columbus avenue. He was shot dead at his own door by a crip-
oled tailor, called Evans, for which crime the latter was made the culprit of the
last scene of execution witnessed in Erie county, in Huron Park in 1840.

Ritter died on May 5, 1840, in his forty-sixth year, leaving his widow and
six children well provided for. His wife died in December, 1880, in her
eighty-third year. One of the daughters, Wilhelmina, a faithful and trusted
servant in the United States mail service for many years, is well known by every
man, woman and child in this city. The writer does most heartily wish that she
may survive all changes of the national administration for many a year to come.

Conrad Wiegand was born in Hessen, and came to Sandusky in 1835,
where he worked for years at his trade as shoemaker. His wife having died,
he moved to Put-in-bay Island to spend his last days with his children, who
took good care of him. He had become very infirm and crippled up with
rheumatism. He died a year ago, and was buried at the side of his wife in
Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky. He was a highly respected citizen His chil-
dren are prospering.

Franz, Joseph Motri came here in 1834, An old marriage certificate, well
preserved reads thus :

“Know all men by this presents that Joseph Motri, a taylor, and Elizabeth
Ziegler, were lawfully joined together in holy matrimony on the 22d day of
July, in the year of the Lord, 1834.

“F. W. Geissenhainer, SEN.

“St. Mathaus Church,

“N. Y. City.”

Aside from its value as a family relic, this paper becomes more precious in
having the signature of one of the most noted Germans of New York attached
to it.1 Motri was born on March 31, 1811, in Untergrombach, Baden. His

1 The name of the officiating clergyman calls for a more than passing notice. The First
German Lutheran congregation was organized in New York in 1749, and the first substantial
church edifice was erected in 1767, on the northwest corner of William and Frankfort streets.
The building was standing as late as 1850, and was, in its dilapidated condition, finally used as
a liver)' stable. Johann Christopher Kunz, son-in-law of old Muehlenberg, of Revolutionary'
fame, became the first pastor. F. W. Geissenhainer, sr., succeeded him. He preached exclu-
sively in German. As in 1814 some of the members of old Mathaus Church made an effort to
abolish the German language in song and speech in their devotional exercises, Geissenhainer
father gave up his pastorate, than enter into this bargain. F. C. Schaeffer, his successor
•‘si’eed to preach mornings in the German, and evenings in the English language. Geissen-
a;ner, who in the meantime had moved to Pennsylvania, where his beloved mother tongue

held in better reveration, was recalled seven years later. He gained his point ; German
A*s exclusively spoken from that day on in the old pioneer church. Geissenhainer, a typical
German, died in 1838, in New York City, lamented by all who knew him.

254

History of Erie County.

wife, Elizabeth, was born in Weingarten, Baden, in 1808. They emigrated in
1834, and lived in Sandusky up to the time of their deaths. Of the six chil-
dren of this marriage, three are living: Theodor, born June 30, 1838 ; Frede-
rick of Port Clinton, born January 16, 1841, and Heinrich, born March 12,
1842. Elizabeth, Motri’s first wife, died in April 26, 1843, in childbed. On
November 15th, of the same year, he married the second time, taking Theresa
Leonhard as wife. Five of the children of the second marriage are living: Eliz-
abeth Molitor, born August 25, 1844; Joseph, born October 26, 1845 5 Alex-
ander, born October 20, 1846; Carl Ludwig, born September 23, 1848; John
Frank, born November 16, 1850. Motri was a tailor by trade, and had his first
workshop where Robertson’s store is located at present on Water street, mov-
ing from there to a place now occupied by the Ruprecht family. He subse-
quently built the National House on Market and Wayne streets, where he kept
a hostlery in connection with his tailor shop. In 1854 he engaged in the nurs-
ery business in Bigfield. He was a great hunter and known far and wide as an
excellent marksman. He died May 4, 1867. His widow lives on Hancock
street. He was, without question, the fashionable tailor in his time. His old
ledger, dated January 1, 1840, is before me. In its index I find the following
names of the aristocracy of our day, the Mooses, Folletts, Sloanes and many
others. Most interesting though for our purpose, are the names of the old
German settlers that opened an account with him nearly fifty years ago. In
giving their names I am in hopes that those appearing in the foregoing pages
may quasi supplement my carefully prepared list.

From this interesting book I copy the following German names : John
Bauer, John Bach, 1843 1 Fred Booss, Jacob Benz, Clausius, 1841 ; Valentin
Degen, 1843; Martin Eltis, Fred Epp, 1842; And. Earney, 1843; Anton
Fink, 1842; Peter Gilcher, Guckenheimer, 1843; John Hornung, Wilhelm
Heisser, 1845; Alph. Lucas, 1842; Hopfinger, Hocken, Iceman, Henry Laub-
•scher, John Meyer, 1843; F Paul, 1840; Valentine Peter, 1842; Fr. Rein-
Eeimer, and John Schnecker.

For the edification of our merchant tailors, I will say that according to
"Motri’s figures, thirteen cents was charged for cutting a pair of pants, and that
a good share of his earnings' were liquidated by accepting almost anything
from a load of wood, stone, or sand, down to farm produce and labor in ex-
change. Fr. Reinheimer’s account is balanced by thirty-nine days of work,
$53.43 ; P. Gilcher’s account thirty-seven days of work, $5 1.00 ; Henry Laub-
scher’s account for two days’ work, $3. By this we see that skilled labor was
well paid for, and that even forty years ago a boss carpenter received as much
as twelve shillings wages per day.

1830-1850.

POLITICS, SOCIETIES, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES AND PRESS.

Federal organization and the liquidation of the war debts became the prin-
cipal work for our law makers after the declaration of independence.

■

The German Element.

255

One party, the Federalists, aimed principally to shape our government
after the English fashion, the other party, “ Republicans,” more often called
Democrats, were anxious to transplant the new patriotic ideas of France into
the young republic. A king even would have been acceptable to the Feder-
aiistic party, had not Jefferson, under Gallatin's advice and guidance most
vigorously resisted. Jefferson's election as president decided the issue and a
political lethargy reigned for years.

The German element without hardly any exceptions made front against
the Federal party, and played as such an important factor in shaping the form
of our national administration in those days. In 1824 the political pot com-
menced to boil again. A diversity of opinion in the domineering party ended
in their defeat. Instead of entering the battle in an unbroken phalanx, did
the leaders of the Republican party quarrel among themselves, and headed
their national ticket by three candidates, viz : Crawford, as legitimate suc-
cessor, Clay, the choice of the national Republicans, and Jackson, as banner
carrier of the convention, posing as “ Democrat.” Jackson, although receiv-
ing the majority of the popular and electoral votes, was, nevertheless, lacking
the required plurality, and the election for president came up before the House
of Representatives for final action. By their decision Adams, the Federalist,
was elected, and the deal was brought about by a compact between Clay’s fol-
lowers and the leaders of the Federal party. The wrong was righted four
years later, when Jackson was elected by an overwhelming majority. In 1828
we find the German element again supporting Jackson, and Ohio gave him
the electoral votes in 1828 and 1832. A great change though in public
opinion took place after his second election. New and vital questions had
come to the front, and the champion of the party had made himself disliked
bv his uncalled for action against the United States Bank, his numerous
vetoes, and by practically carrying out the nefarious doctrine : “ The spoils
belong to the victor.” A reconstruction of the party as planned by Jackson,
was never reached. The older German settlers had in the meantime in close
pursuit of daily work learned better to understand the true inwardness of pol-
itical promises and pledges, had cooled down and become more conservative
,n their views, a large portion of them united in 1834 with the Whig part)'.

To follow up the strides and efforts of the German element in the political
arena in the years following would call for more space than could justly be
Claimed for this chapter.

The more liberal German element had always a strong leaning towards the
democratic party and deservedly so, as they owed to this party all conces-
sions made to foreigners. It is an indisputable fact, that by the unceasing
c;iorts of this party the price of government land was fixed at a nominal figure,
*as put in the market in parcels to suit the means of the individual purchaser,
a:*d that a non-citizen became legally qualified to partiepate in this great

256

History of Erie County.

boom. After many a fierce battle laws were passed by a Democratic body to
enable a settler to pay for his land almost with the yield of the first year's
harvest. These liberal concessions were opposed by Clay, as leader of the
Whig party.

If we furthermore consider, that at that time the amalgamation of the
National Republican and the Whig party took effect, and that in the new-born
party the first nativistic doctrines came to the surface, it is not surprisingat all that
the German element en masse cast their lot with the Democratic party. To bring
about a more effective and uniform action, German societies of various natures
were organized in every town in Ohio, wherever they had any representation
to speak of. The German element became a potent factor in political life, but
it would have been impossible to perpetuate and preserve for any length of
time harmonious action, had not circumstances of a specific nature come to its
relief. The Germans were at all times considered unruly by the leaders of
political parties as a nation not easily harnessed or controlled by an autocratic
wish or will. Even the far-seeing Franklin laments that the Germans will out-
number the inborn element in a little while, and that the political power will
pass into their hands. In this respect though Franklin's fears were un-
grounded, the inborn jealousy of the different German nationalities, not to
speak of the difference of opinion in religious matters, excluded such presump-
tions plainly. It cannot be denied that the Germans tipped the scales more
than once in national elections. At the least provocation, if ever they mis-
trusted that customs and ways of their own were endangered, they made a
solid front ; in all other respects they were reliable, consistent and loyal. They
never were wax in the hands of party rulers, and the most eloquent appeals of
politicians would never have persuaded them to follow blindly their dictations
had personal or principal interest combined not made a stronger appeal. The
nativistic movement of 1836 and 1838 strengthened the knees of those that
had become stragglers and drove them into the flock for mutual safety and
protection. The power and strength of the German element was well known
even in those days to the inborn American. An editorial extract from the
American , published in New Orleans in 1838, may find a place here:

“ Ohio is ruled by ignorant Germans who have inundated sections of this
glorious State. The votes are cast and the results are known as endangering
our government and the welfare of all concerned ; . . . This trouble will

not end unless the privilege of voting is restricted.”

As far as the ignorance of the Germans — God bless them — and the en-
dangering of the government and general welfare are concerned, the editor was
a poor prophet, but he came nearer to the mark in predicting laws aimed
against the Germans to make use of the royal privilege as voters. The ghost
of nativism was banished for another decade, the liberal party gained a vic-
tory in 1844 and the German element was instrumental in bringing it about

The German Element.

257

this time the Germans had outgrown their baby shoes ; no political party

Ohio would take their chances without previously consulting their wishes.
Thev demanded in 1838 that public documents should be published in their
mother tongue, and their wish was granted. The representation of this ele-
ment in the State House of Columbus was about twenty- five per cent, since
•::c adoption of the new State laws in 1851. Erie county is, at this writing,
r presented in the Legislature by Fred. Ohlemacher, of Sandusky; in the
Senate by Joseph Zimmerman, of Fremont, and in the congressional district
by Jacob Romeiss, of Toledo. All three were rocked to sleep in the old
country, and came to America’s shores as poor and impecunious lads.

This solid German representation may count for nothing than a mere coin-
cidence, and yet it demonstrates clearly that the Germans had learned, in years
of bondage and humiliation, to use their irresistible strength for something
better than quarrels. Not more than thirty years ago the Germans had very
little if any standing, politically and socially, in Erie county. An editorial in
the Baystadt Democrat , June 26, 1857, reads as follows:

“ The true Americans, and better to call them by their right names, the
Knownothings, are becoming rather arrogant in their deportment. To them
the foreigners are simply tools, to be used at will, and as long as they can be
utilized. After that their thanks are a ‘pereat.’ In our city, laws have been
passed of late, directly aimed against the Germans. They cannot acquaint
themselves with the provisions of law as very few understand the English lan-
guage. Thousands of dollars are annually expended for school purposes,
where not a cent is granted for the preservation of their mother tongue. A
general meeting of the German element of this county has been called to con-
sider our duties and rights as citizens or a free country.”

The meeting was held in the Volks Theater Hall on June 20, 1857, and
was largely attended. Conrad Ernst was the presiding officer, and W. F.
Meyers acted as secretary. The following resolutions were unanimously
adopted (abridged) :

1. All ordinances to be published in the German language.

2. Wholesome drinking water to be supplied liberally, free of cost, in all
the wards of the city.

3- To introduce German tuition in the public schools, and to cut down the
salary of the superintendent of instruction, to confront the every day cry for
of means.

A- To pay all city employees in cash.

5* To denounce immorality and drunkenness, but protect respectable citi-
engaged in the liquor traffic.

6- To abolish license laws.

To repeal the market ordinance.

S- To invest any surplus in our treasury in factories and institutions em-
p.Oying skilled labor, instead of donating it to railroads and wildcat schemes.

>,u«b !>»-

258

History of Erie County.

9. To reorganize the fire department.

10. To elect for local offices only men of unquestionable character, with-
out considering political creed or religion.

1 1. To denounce the rulings of Judge Taylor as being biased and nativistic
in the extreme.

The following members were elected as a standing committee to guard the
interest of the German element, viz.: C. Parson, Jacob Hertel, Ph. Dauch,
Adam Bauer, W. F. Meyers, and H. Ruess.

Between 1840 and 1850 German societies were organized in nearly every
town in Ohio, and Sandusky had its share. The following societies flourished
in those days: Jaeger Company, organized by Captain Louis Traub; Artil-
lerie Company, organized by Dr. Silva, and F. Bollinger; Harmonie Band;
Hacken & Leiter Company; Cossuth Garde, J. Bauer, commander; Freie
deutsche Harmonie, Sandusky Gesangverein, Freimaenner Verein, Turn Verein.
Druids, Odd Fellows, Workingmen’s Society, and others.

Sandusky could also boast of two German theaters, the Volks Theater and
the Concordia Theater. Some of our most prominent citizens of to-day took
an active part. A well preserved programme reads:

CONCORDIA THEATER

In Von Hausen’s Block
December 26, 1853.

Repertoire— Menschenhass und Reue, by Kotzebue.
Admission, 25 Cents.

Another one :

VOLKS THEATER

Hubbard’s Block, Jackson Street
March 3, 1857.

Repertoire — The White Slave.

In an editorial in the Baystadt Democrat of May 1, 1857, Hertel argues
that any allusion to religion and politics “ should be excluded.” Undoubtedly
these societies had their ups and downs. The resolutions passed at a meeting
that was called for the purpose of expelling four of the unruly members ot
the Volks Theater, April 20, 1853, is in my possession. The signatures ot
the following members of this society are attached: Jacob Engels, president
Dr. Silva, secretary; Jacob Bentz, F. G. Willi, Carl Gaa, Gregory Haegy,
Georg Von Hausen, Ernst Boeth, Carl Bretz, A. Miller, Georg Bergmoser,
Joseph Keller, G. Nusly, Cornel. Schnaitter, Andr. Riesterer, Philip Kunz,
Georg Baer, Jacob Steitz, Carl Wagner, M. Malzky, Jacob Alder, L. Baumann.
Ph. Lanz, Jacob Baubach, Joh. Walter, Georg Graul, Jacob Schaub, John
Bricht, Dr. Lange, N. Auer, Georg Geiss.

. '

■

The German Element.

259

We take pleasure to put also on record the names of the leaders and stars
of the two societies :

Volks Theater. — Natan Baer’s Hall, on Water street. J. M. Geyerstanger,
j Jandorf, Christ. Wiedel, Jacob Neuert, A. Sorg, Conrad Ernst, L. Kind,
August Seeger, Fr. Wentz, Chas. Baetz, Georg Graul ; Mrs Graul, Peters,
Lehr and Hauser, and Miss Steitz and Ruemmele.

Concordia Theater. — Rudolph Holverscheid, A. Textor, Bretz, Georg Von
Hausen, H. Brohl, Conrad Mooss, Schaub and Willi ; Mrs. Kranz, Von Hau-
sen and Birkmeyer.

Dances and entertainments for the pecuniary benefit of the numerous
societies were then, as now, the order of the day. The admission fee was
unusually high, considering times. A few advertisements, taken from the
German press, may find a place here :

First annual hop of the freimaexner-

Verein, in Euterpean Hall, December 26, 1853.

Tickets, $1.00. Z. Engels, Steitz, Stark, Dauch.

GREAT BALL, in West Hall. Harmonie Band.

July 4, 1857. Admission. $1.00.

MILITARY BAND BALL — Euterpean Hall,

July 4, 1857. Tickets, $1.00.

In classical music Sandusky has always excelled and taken the lead of
cities of similar size in Ohio for many a year. Even the automatic orchestrion
music of more than thirty years ago could not help but develop this culture to
a high degree. As a relic we give the programme of Fr. Butz first orchestrion
concert :

GRAND ORCHESTRION CONCERT
In Euterpean Hall, April 29, 1857.

Admission, 25 Cents.

PROGRAMME :

I. Die Stummen of Portici. — Auber.

II. German songs.

III. Was gleichet wohl auf Erden.

IV. O, Susanna.

V. Introduction.

VI. Yankee Doodle.

VII. Duett.

VIII. Selections from “ Freischuetz.”

IX. Patric, willst du nun.

X. Jaegerchor aus “Freischuetz,"

XI. Overture. “Wilhelm Tell."

XII. Overture, “Postillion de Lorjumean.”

XIII. Overture, “ Romeo and Juliet."

XIV. Najades Walzes. — Labitzky.

260

History of Erie County.

The Mozart Quartette Club was organized by Ph. Ruppert. The Grc. :
Western Band, organized by Charles Baetz many years ago, has, under h
leadership, gained an almost national reputation. Bauman, Hauser, Ber;.
moser, Bock and others are experts on their separate instruments.

The last one, in a long list of musical societies in Sandusdy, is the Philhar-
monic Orchestra, under the leadership of Professor F. Puehringer, a not ; *
musician and composer. The members of this society are, with the exceptic .
of six, of German parentage. The first meeting was held at Fischer’s Ha.
March 12, 1888. The names of the members are given: J. C. Hauser, Geo
E. Anderson, F. A. Hubbard, C. Schnaitter, John Traub, John I. Esch, A.
J. Peters, George C. West, J. C. Leser, L. J. Taubert, A. Haecker, Willie
Peters, Joseph Lebensburger, C. F. Schrenck, J. H. Dempsey, Lane Lock-
wood, Walter Scott, Louis Scherz, jr. , John Bauer, Fred. Bauer, Al. Bauer
John Schaub, Ed. Rossfelder, George Knopf, John Trieschman, Eugene Baetz.

The first German Protestant church in Sandusky was organized in 1845
it was situated on the public grounds between Grace Church and the old court-
house, and became the mother of six prosperous offsprings. The names of
the charter members of the Emanuels Church are given : John Schuck, Paul
Klauer, John Hauer, Jacob Hertel, Peter Gilcher, Fred. Reinheimer, John
Klauss, John Platz, Georg Magle, Fred. Booss, and John Bauer. John Schuck
is the only survivor.

The German Reformed Church was formed by seceders of the Emanuei .
Church and organized into a body August 12, 1853, by the late Rev. Peter
Briecker. The house of worship is situated on the corner of Hancock andjei-
ferson streets.

The Salems Church, “evangelical association,” was built of stone in 1854
Size forty by sixty. The society was organized in 1840 by John Hull and M.
Stroh, Charles Zollinger, Henry Kreiner, Jacob Brost and Leonhard Scheuer-
man were the first trustees.

The Lutheran Zion’s Church on the southeast corner of the public grounds
was organized in June, 1852. The names of the first officers are John H. Buck.
Wilhelm Schade, August Klotz, George Hartman, Henry Wenck and George
Klein.

German Methodist Protestant Church, organized about 1845.

German Protestant. St. Stephen’s Church, on the corner of Jefferson and
Poplar streets, organized by old members of the Emanuel Church in January.
1882. The first officers were Heinrich Rudolph, president; Jacob Stein, sec-
retary, Adam Oehm, treasurer ; trustees, Charles Krueger, Jacob Dick, jr.
Adam Nagel ; elders, Jacob Dick, sr. ; John Ouehl, Jacob Hartman. Dr. von
Schulenburg, pastor.

The German Catholics did not own a place of worship, for years attending
Father MastbeaPs church in Western Liberties. At this day they are in pos-

■

The German Element.

261

<-$5ion of a magnificent structure on the corner of Miami avenue and Jefferson
street

For any additional information the reader is kindly referred to the general
chapter on church organizations.

The Germans became thrifty and monopolized many branches of industry.
The ** Stoss-seufzer ” of the English nativistic press in those days, that they
were irresistible in annexing trade and manufactures was called for. As the
Germans before 1830 excelled in agricultural pursuits, they now had become
A potent factor in the diverse branches of industry. The brewing business is
exclusively in the hands of Germans in Erie county. The Kuebeler Brothers,
Frank Stang and Anton Ilg have become wealthy in this trade.

The fish, wine and lime business is likewise controlled by Germans. Most
of the representative firms have started out years age on a small scale and be-
come prosperous beyond expectation.

The capital invested in the fish business by Adolph & Zollinger, Simeon
Schacht, A. J. Stoll, Lay Brothers, Fruechtenicht & Nielson & Arend Brothers ;
in the wine business by Engels & Krudwig, Wm. Alstaetter, John G. Dorn,
Conrad Ernst, August Guenther, M. Hommel, Morris Link, Edw. Mooss, Edw.
Steuck, John Strobel and Albert Textor; in the lime manufactory by Daniel
Kunz and the Ohlemacher Brothers represents more than a million of hard cash
and provides bread and butter for many a hundred of families.

To facilitate business the Germans organized in September 16, 1872, the
Third National Bank, a prosperous and almost exclusive German institution,
electing L. Cable as president, Philip Graefe, vice-president ; George Ander-
son, cashier; Christ F. Schoepfle, Dr. Donahoe and Jacob Engles, directors.

Lorenz Cable was born 1823, March 20, in the village of Siegeri, Elsass,
and came to America in the spring of 1843. He worked as a cabinet-maker
lor David Moore, Bellevue, O., till spring of the next year, when he wended
his way to Sandusky, where he resided for nearly forty-five years. On his ar-
rival in this city he found a place open in H. F. Merry’s cabinet shop, and subse-
quently in Charles Zollinger’s and the old Mad River Railroad Shops. In 1856
he embarked with John Bricht in the boot and shoe trade. He has become pos-
v*ssed of great wealth. In 1872 he was elected as president of the Third Na-
tional Bank, a position he holds to this day. The capital stock of this bank is
>200,000, with a surplus of $34,000.

L. Cable resides with his second wife on the corner of Monroe and Law-
rence streets.

Jacob Engels was born 1799, in Solingen, Germany, and emigrated in 1848,
taking Sandusky his home in the vear following. He became quite wealthy
*n the wine business. He always took an active part in organizing societies
that aimed to cultivate and preserve the German language in song and speech.

died November 6, r875.

262

History of Erie County.

The office as postmaster in Sandusky is held for the first time by a German,
George Daniel, who came to America as a lad in the 40’s. The German element
is represented in the city council by thirteen, and in the school board by twehv
members. Dr. Von Schulenburg was the chairman of the committee on Ger-
man instruction for several years. The board of cemetery trustees is exclu-
sively German, viz.: John G. Strobel, Jacob Witzel and Louis Duennisch.

Germa7i Physicians. — Drs. Von Sick, Silva, Philip Graefe, Lange and Ea-
derle (’48- 50). Heiter, Leop. Pape, William and Charles Graefe, Szenderyand
Von Schulenburg. William Graefe is a conservative and skilful surgeon, ar.d
has spent several years abroad attending lectures in the Universities of Berlin
and Vienna. Dr. C. Heiter was educated and took his degree in a Russian
college. Dr. Von Schulenburg was educated in Germany, and has a large prac-
tice among the Germans.

The German language was taught as early as ’52 in pay schools by Charles
Plate, Hoffman, Keller and Lehrer, through the arduous work of Adam Bauer,
the first German school director, who served his constituents faithfully for
nearly twenty years. It was finally introduced in the public schools of San-
dusky and became a part of the regular course of study. Nearly a thousand
children are benefited by it at this day.

German Press. — The first German paper published in Erie county was the
Intelligenz-Blatt , by Ruemmele and Ruess. The first number made its appear-
ance in April, 1851 ; it existed for nearly twenty years.

In 1856 the Baystadt Demokrat entered the field as a rival. Captain L
Traub was the first publisher. A few months later it was sold to Jacob Hertc..
who was editor and proprietor till 1873, when it passed into the hands of tne
p**esent proprietor, William Senn. It has greatly improved in size and appear-
ance since then, and has become the exponent of true Democratic principles
under his regime. It is well conducted and prosperous.

By all their love for the new, the Germans never failed to take a propor-
tionate interest in the welfare of the old fatherland, and many an imposing
procession, that wends its way through the streets of the town testifies plainly
of their ardent and true love for their former home. The capitulations at ^re-
dan and following restoratian of the old German Empire, manifested itself by
an outburst of joy and jubilee. At the bicentennial anniversary of German em-
igration in 1883, the strength of the German element was plainly seen. It was
a multitude of thousands, that turned out on that bright Sunday afternoon to
honor their pilgrims. A very accurate account of this celebration was pu-
blished in the local columns of the Sandusky Demokrat , October 9, 1883, ana
we take the liberty to quote from it :

“ A gala day. Two thousand in procession and six to eight thousand
at the fair ground ; the most imposing demonstration ever witnessed »n
Erie county. The procession started from the West Market at 2 P. M., under

Railways of the County.

263

the leadership of Charles Baetz and Constantin Zipfel, assisted by Osterman,
Motry and Wiedeman. All the German societies of Sandusky were represented ;
the old German pioneers were under the command of Cornelius Schnaitter. A
l.ir^e delegation representing the German element of Kelley Island, Middle
bass and Put-in- Bay were in line. L. Herb’s State coach, drawn by four white
horses came next. The president, Adam Bauer, Captain Dewald, of Mexican
fame, Councilman August Kunzman, and the orator of the day, Dr. von Schu-
Icnburg, were the proud occupants. In the following carriages the members
of the city council and the vice-presidents were seated, prominent among
them being Messrs. Lorch, Mooss, H. Rudolph, Pietchman and \Vm. Brehm.
A cavalry troop of a hundred men under Gottlieb Epples’ command came next,*
followed by an endless caravan of vehicles of all descriptions, music bands and
drum corps heading the subdivisions. A score of thousands of people lined
the streets. In strict accordance with the program of the day, the president,
Adam Bauer, introduced at the fair grounds after an overture by the Great
Western Band, the orator of the day, Dr. von Schulenburg, who spoke at length
about the true mission of the German element in America, defining it in mas-
terly and well received -way. Herman Ruess made an eloquent address. The
Frohsinn and Harmonie singing societies captured the immense audience by
their superb rendering of patriotic songs. The Active and Social Turnverein
gave an exhibition of gymnastic exercises, Gambrinus even had a stand but
may it be put on record that not a single one could be found in all this multi-
tude, although watched with argus eyes, who did not deport himself respect-
fully.”

May this feeble effort to put the Germans of Erie county on record, be
kindly accepted by all interested.

CHAPTER XVIII.

RAILWAYS OF THE COUNTY.

IT is now more than half a century since the first railroad was put in opera-
tion in Erie county, and in relation to this class of institutions the county
cnJoys the distinction of having constructed within its borders, the first rail-
Way in the State and among the first in the country.

In the year 1832 two railroad companies, each having a part of their line
:n Erie, or what afterward became Erie county, were chartered as follows : The
‘dad River and Lake Erie, and the Milan and Columbus companies, the first being
bartered January 5, 1832, and the other on the 1 ith February following. The

264

History of Erie County.

Milan and Columbus road was never built nor are we possessed of any in-
formation showing the performance of any substantial act other than the in-
corporation thereof.

Then, again, although the creation of a later period, in reviewing these facts
a mention must be made of that mythical and mysterious thoroughfare of travel
known as the “ Underground Railway,” having its invisible, though well pat-
ronized route between the city of Sandusky, O., and Malden, in Canada. This
was the usually traveled route taken by escaping slaves who sought a refuge
beyond the reach of the owner’s power and the driver’s lash.

There lives in Sandusky to-day, probably not to exceed fifty persons who
recall the partial construction of the road of the Ohio Railroad Company, which
was chartered at the session of the Legislature of 1835-6. The route of this
road was entirely practicable, but its enterprising projectors had not the means
sufficient to complete the work, and it was abandoned after a vast amount of
money had been expended. The route of this road, as defined by its charter,
was as follows : “ Beginning at the westwardly line of the State of Pennsylva-
nia, and extending westwardly to the Maumee River in the State of Ohio.” a
distance of one hundred and seventy-seven miles. The line of this road, had
it been completed, would have crossed Washington Square, in Sandusky. And
many of the people of the county will remember the old Sandusky & Louis-
ville Railroad Company, to the construction of which they liberally contrib-
uted, but the road was never built.

THE INDIANA, BLOOMINGTON AND WESTERN RAILROAD.

This road is, indeed, of comparatively recent creation. But the line now
in part operated by the receiver of the above company, has a history more va-
ried and more interesting than that of any road now in operation in the State
of Ohio ; and for an intelligent and clear, as well as an accurate narration ot
the facts of that history we must look back to the early years of the present
century and note the efforts that were made to establish the first railroad in tins
State, or in the west, and recall the events of the early life of a road famed in
history as the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad.

When the people of Sandusky were by fraud, deceit and corruption de-
feated in their efforts to establish communication between this point and the
Ohio River by canal, the most enterprising and energetic of her residents said.
“ Let us build a railroad.” This was prior to the year 1825. During the pe-
riod of the greatest agitation of this question a public meeting was held in San-
dusky which was attended by all the leading men of the place, prominent
among whom can be recalled the names of David Caswell, who was made chair-
man ; Dr. George Anderson, Colonel John N. Sloane, Elentheros Cooke, Cy-
rus W. Marsh, Hector Kibourne, Moors Farwell, Colonel Abner Root, Davi •
Campbell, Aaron C. Corbett, William Townsend and others, possibly, whose
names cannot, at this late day, be remembered. This was in 1826.

Railways of the County.

265

By these persons the situation was freely discussed, and united action was
determined upon to urge the subject of building a road to connect Sandusky
and Dayton, thence reaching south by the proposed Miami canal to Cincinnati
and the Ohio River, thus opening direct and free communication between the
rreat lakes on the north and the large rivers on the south. But it was several
years before the fond hopes of the people of this locality were realized, but at
last the thing was made possible.

The Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad Company was incorporated by an
act of the Legislature of Ohro, passed on the 5 th day of January, 1832. Among
the persons named as commissioners in the act, three, William Townsend,
Henry H. Wilcox, sr., and George Anderson were residents of Sandusky. It
became the duty of these commissioners to open books for subscriptions to the
stock of the company, but no organization could be effected until there had
been subscribed to the corporation stock the amount of two hundred and fifty
thousand dollars.

This was accomplished in the course of a few months, and in October of
the same year the company was organized, Horatio G. Philips, of Dayton,
Montgomery county, being elected president. A treasurer was chosen at the
same meeting. Other than this no business was transacted at this time, except
to receive reports and urge the importance of prompt action in getting sub-
scriptions to the stock of the company.

In the year 1834 another annual meeting was held, and Mr. Philips, being
unwilling to hold further the office of president, declined a re-election, where-
upon Joseph Vance, of Champaigne county, was chosen as his successor. In
the spring of the next year, 1835, James H. Bell was appointed chief engineer
of the company, and by him the route was located and surveyed between
Sandusky and Tiffin, by the way of Bellevue, after which the work of construc-
tion was at once commenced. Ground was first broken at the east end of
Water street, at the intersection of Meigs street, in Sandusky, on the 17th of
September, 1835. General William Henry Harrison, the hero of Tippecanoe,
afterwards president of the United States, put the first spade in the earth, at
the point above indicated.

That was a day of general jubilee in Sandusky, and the celebration was
followed by a banquet at the Victor’s Hotel, the distinguished guests and the
prominent citizens taking part in the festivities of the occasion. In this same
year, 1835, the contracts were let for bridging and grading on the located line,
*nd the work of construction commenced.

In 1836 Colonel John H. James, of Urbana, one of the pioneers of the
•Mate, was chosen president of the company, and under his management the
'•york of construction was pushed with the greatest energy the limited means
°f the corporation would permit. In this same year Colonel James contracted
f°r the iron to be used between Sandusky and Bellevue. He also entered into

266

History of Erie County.

a contract with the firm of Rogers, Ketchum & Grovenor, of Paterson, X. J.t
for the construction a locomotive to be named the “Sandusky.” This firm
was at that time engaged in the manufacture of cotton machines, and under-
took the work of building a locomotive with the greatest reluctance, but sub-
sequently they became most celebrated as manufacturers of locomotives, and
the outgrowth of their factory is found in the present extensive “ Paterson
Locomotive Works.”

The locomotive “ Sandusky,” was brought from Buffalo on the vessel
Sandusky , Thomas C. McGee, skipper, to the town of Sandusky, in the year
1837, anch during that fall, was placed upon the track and run between San-
dusky and Bellevue, the road having been completed between these points in
that year, all statements , impressions , and opinio?is to the contrary notwith-
standing.

In the year 1850 the road was completed to Dayton, a distance of one hun-
dred and fifty-four miles, and in the following year was in operation.

Colonel James was succeeded in the presidency of the company by William
Hunt, and he, in succession by these men : Hon. Ebenezer Lane, E. F.

Osborne, R. E. Runckle, John P. Yelderton, Oran Follett, Rush R. Sloane,
and John S. Farlow, the last named having been continued to the present date,
notwithstanding the frequent changes in the name of corporate management.

The same year in which the Mad River and Lake Erie road was completed
to Dayton, another line, known as the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Rail-
road Company, met the former at Dayton, and thus, in 1851, was constructed
and in operation a through connection between Sandusky and Cincinnati.

In 1851 an act was passed by the Legislature incorporating the Sandusky
City and Indiana Railroad Company. This company was organized in fact lor
the purpose of constructing a road from Sandusky to Tiffin, by the way 0:
Clyde, to be built, moreover, in the interest and with the capital of the Lake
Erie and Mad River road. On the 1st of December, 1854, this road, via
Clyde, was leased for ninety-nine years, renewable forever, to the Mad River
Company, and the old road to Tiffin by way of Bellevue was discontinued and
abandoned.

The first change in the name of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad
was made on February 3, 1858, under a decree of the Common Pleas of Lr;e
county, by which the road became known as the Sandusky, Dayton and Cin-
cinnati Railroad Company. And under a bill filed in the Erie county Common
Pleas on February 4, 1865, Oran Follett was appointed receiver, under order
of the court, and continued as such until its reorganization, on July 2, iS6e,
when, under that reorganization, the line passed under the management of the
Sandusky and Cincinnati Railroad Company, and so remained until the 8th ot
October, 1866, when the line was leased for a term of ninety-nine years, re-
newable forever, to the Cincinnati, Dayton and Eastern Railroad Company, and

bte Y

Railways of the County.

267

Kush R. Sloane was made president. On the 9th of January, 1868, this lease
•A- as surrendered.

In 1868, on the nth of January, by a decree of the Common Pleas of
Krie county the name was changed to the Cincinnati, Sandusky and Cleveland
Railroad Company, by which it is known at this day, although managed by
the receiver of the Indiana, Bloomington and Western Company as a part of
that system. That part of the road between Dayton and Springfield was
icased for a term of ninety- nine years, renewable forever, to the Cleveland,
Columbus and Cincinnati Company, in 1868. This contract of lease was nego-
tiated by Rush R. Sloane, and it was, without doubt, the most profitable lease
for the lessor company that was ever effected and executed in the State of
Ohio.

About the year 1881 or 1S82 the Cincinnati, Sandusky and Cleveland por-
tion of the road was leased to the Indiana, Bloomington and Western Com-
pany. This latter corporation was operating a line of road extending from
Indianapolis, Ind., to Springfield, O., and desirous of obtaining a lake connec-
tion, leased the part above named and made it a portion of their system.
Some months ago, however, the Indiana, Bloomington and Western Company
became insolvent, and a receiver was appointed, and since that event the Cin-
cinnati, Sandusky and Cleveland as well as the Indianapolis, Bloomington and
Western Company has been operated by the receiver of the general Indiana,
Bloomington and Western System.

THE SANDUSKY, MANSFIELD AND NEWARK RAILROAD COMPANY.

This company embraces three others of much earlier organization, which,
'Mth the dates of their charters, respectively, were as follows : The Monroeville
^nd Sandusky City Railroad Company, chartered March 9, 1835; the Mans-
field and New Haven Railroad Company, chartered March 12, 1836, and the
Columbus and Lake Erie Railroad Company, chartered March 12, 1S45.

The two first named were united under the name of the Mansfield and
Sandusky City "Railroad Company ; and that, in turn, consolidated with the
Columbus and Lake Erie Company, and became known as the Sandusky,
Mansfield and Newark Railroad Company, on the 23d of November, 1853.
In the year 1856 the road was sold and then reorganized, retaining, however,
the former name. On February 13, 1869, the road was leased to the Central
C)hio Railroad Company, and the Baltimore and Ohio Company guaranteed
,lnd assumed the covenants of the Central Ohio Railroad Company. The
road extends from the city of Sandusky to Newark, O., a distance of one hun-
dred and sixteen miles.

The work of construction on the old Monroeville and Sandusky City road
was begun in the year 1835, and was, of course, necessarily slow. At a point
si* miles south of Sandusky the workmen encountered a ridge of slate, and tins

■Mr.*bm

268

History of Erie County.

proved the rock on which the founders of the enterprise, the Hollisters, were
wrecked. In 1837 an effort was made to purchase the iron, to be used in
building the road, in England, and for that purpose James K. Campbell was
sent to negotiate ; but this effort was unsuccessful. The bed was finally com-
pleted as far as Monroeville, a distance from Sandusky of sixteen and one-half
miles. It was operated as early as 1837, but the motive power used was
horses, with which regular trips were made between these points. The rail;
were of hard wood, and as no great speed was acquired or desired this primi-
tive method answered very well for a time.

The State rendered considerable substantial aid in the construction of thi-
old road, which was completed and put in operation under the presidency of
Burr Higgins. Its results, however, were not very satisfactory from a financial
point of view, therefore a reorganization became necessary, to which reference
has already been made. The stock, which was considered of little value, wa;
bought up, and by the results of the lease, virtually to the Baltimore and Ohio
Company, bids fair to be of some considerable value in the future. The road
is now earning an excess above interest on its bonded indebtedness.

The line of this road through Sandusky formerly and for somevyears lay
through Franklin street, but it was subsequently changed to Warren street.
The old residents of the city will remember the old depot of the Monroeville and
Sandusky City Company, that was located about in front of the old Lake House
on Water street.

THE LAKE SHORE AND MICHIGAN SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY.

The Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway proper was created or
formed by the union or consolidation of other lines of road having an existence
prior to the year 1869. And inasmuch as this is, undoubtedly, the most im-
portant Vail way now passing through Erie county, a brief mention of the several
coporations from which it was formed will not be considered inappropriate in
this connection.

The first union occurred by the consolidation of the Buffalo and State Line
Railroad (extending from the City of Buffalo, N. Y. State, west to the State Line
of the State of Pennsylvania, a distance of sixty-eight miles), with the Erie and
Northeast Railroad (extending from the Pennsylvania State Line to the city’ ot
Erie, a distance of twenty miles), under and in pursuance of laws of the Stater
of New York and Pennsylvania, in the year 1867, and became known as the
Buffalo and Erie Railroad Company.

And by the consolidation of the Cleveland, Painesville and Ashtabula Rai’-
road (extending from Erie, Pa., to Cleveland, O., a distance of ninety-five mile-'
with the Cleveland and Toledo Railroad (extending from Cleveland to Toledo,
a distance of one hundred and thirteen miles), with a branch or northern divis-
ion of the latter road extending from Elyria twenty-six miles west of Cleve-

Railways of the County.

269

:and to Sandusky, a distance of thirty-five miles. Also from Oak Harbor,
(twenty-six miles west of Sandusky) to Millbury, near Toledo.

These two last mentioned roads were consolidated under the name of the
I^ake Shore Railway Company in March, 1869, under the laws of Ohio and
Pennsylvania.

Then the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad, extending
from Toledo to the city of Chicago, 111., a distance of two hundred and forty-
four miles, was consolidated with the Lake Shore Railway Company in May,
1869, under the laws of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, un-
der the name of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Company.

In August, 1869, the Buffalo and Erie Railroad Company was consolidated
with the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Company, under the lat-
ter name, thus forming a continuous line of road five hundred and forty miles
in length between the cities of Buffalo and Chicago.

This, in the main, formed the ground-work of the great Lake Shore and
Michigan Southern System. It will be noticed above that mention is made of
a “branch’' or “Northern Division” of the Cleveland and Toledo Road. This
is the line extending through Erie county, and is described above as “extend-
ing from Elyria (twenty-six miles west of Cleveland), to Sandusky, a distance
of thirty- five miles.”

This branch road, as it was called, was that formerly chartered as the Junc-
tion Railroad, intended to reach from Cleveland to Sandusky, and thence to
Fremont. It was chartered March 2, 1846, and amended so as to extend to
Toledo in January, 1851. It was built during the years 1851 and 1852, but
about the same time the lower division, known as the Toledo, Norwalk and
Cleveland Railroad was built, which road by connecting with one already in
operation, reached Cleveland before the northern line was completed, and
thenceforth did everything possible to obstruct the latter, among other acts to
prevent the bridging of the Cuyahoga River. Then, again, the construction of
the southern line from Toledo to Norwalk tapped the Fremont region, thus
rendering unprofitable the building of the Junction Road from Sandusky to that
point. The Fremont people gave it no encouragement and the project was
abandoned.

After the abandonment of the plan of building to Fremont it was still nec-
essary to have a western outlet for the Junction Road, and the idea was con-
ceived of crossing the Sandusky Bay and running to Port Clinton, and thence
west to Toledo ; but in this several obstacles must be overcome. There was
‘nuch opposition to building across the bay, that being navigable water; then,
again, the charter did not call for a road over that route. This led to the char-
ter granted the Port Clinton Railroad Company, and under it the road was
built, though not without many difficulties and much litigation, but at last it
"as accomplished and put in operation.

■ •

270

History of Erie County.

But the difficulty at Cleveland was not satisfactorily adjusted, and the Junc-
tion Road was eventually “frozen out,” and being so unfortunately conditioned,
the two divisions, the north and south, were finally consolidated under the nanv-
of the Cleveland and Toledo Railroad. That part of the old Junction Road be-
tween Cleveland and Elyria was practically abandoned, though never entirely*
so, and the two branches joined again at Milburn, a town west of Sandusky, and
near Toledo.

Under the consolidation of 1869 the Cleveland and Toledo systems, both
divisions passed to the control of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Com-
pany, and is by that company managed at the present time.

The former line of this road through Sandusky lay along Water street, bu-
the Lake Shore people needed more room for the transaction of their largely
increasing business in the city ; therefore, a part of the line was changed to pas*
through the south portion of the town over which the bulk of their freight busi-
ness passes, the Water street line being used only for accommodation purpose.'.
Another part was sold to the I. B. & W. Company, and is now used by them

In 1870 the revenue from passenger traffic at Sandusky on the Lake Shore
Road was $8,858, while in 1886 it amounted to $39,892. In 1870 the freight
forwarded amounted to over twenty-six thousand tons, and freight received to
more than eighteen thousand six hundred and forty-four tons. In 1886 the
shipment of freight was four hundred and eighty-four thousand six hundred
and eighty-six tons, and freight received one hundred and fortv-eight thou-
sand one hundred and seventy-four tons.

THE WHEELING AND LAKE ERIE RAILROAD COMPANY

The main points touched by this road in Erie county are Huron and Milan.
It starts from the former and follows the general course of the Huron River u
Milan, and thence passes ii.to Huron county on the south.

The company was chartered by an act of the Legislature, passed April ' .
1871. By June 30, 1873, ten miles of its line were graded. In 1876 the roau
was completed from Huron to Norwalk, a distance of twelve and one-half miles,
and thirty-five miles more of the road were graded. In the spring of 1878 the
company passed into the hands of a receiver.

Toward the construction of the Wheeling and Lake Erie Road the citizens
of the city of Sandusky were invited to contribute, and for that purpose sub
scription books were opened. It was promised, and generally understood th--t
Sandusky should be one of the points touched by the road, but at a time when
the company were seriously in need of funds, several prominent residents • •
Huron came forward with liberal contributions, and the road was built to tin-
place. An attempt was afterward made to secure the subscription books a-
Sandusky for the purpose of collecting the amounts by the several persons sub-
scribed, but they were not secured, nor was the money paid. The road wa-

Railways of the County.

271

n t, therefore, particularly friendly to the Sandusky people or interests. The
r, ad is easily reached by way of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Road
.it Huron.

THE LAKE ERIE AND WESTERN RAILROAD.

This is the youngest of its class of corporations now in full operation in
Erie county. The company was chartered about 1879, and the road went in-
to operation some two or three years later. The line runs from Sandusky to
Fremont; thence via Findlay, Lima and Nuncie, to Bloomington, 111 From
the latter point the road will soon be fully completed to Peoria, 111.

As an encouragement to build the Lake Erie and Western road, the City
of Sandusky in 188 1, issued its bonds to the extent of sixty thousand dollars,
the avails of which were given to constructing the road

THE SANDUSKY, ASHLAND AND COSHOCTON RAILROAD.

No part of the corporation erection of this company is now in operation
except official organization. The company was chartered in 1883 and was
formed for the purpose of tapping the vast coal and iron regions of the south-
ern counties of the State and elsewhere, and for the purpose of bringing those
products to Sandusky for consumption and manufacture. The line of the pro-
posed road is one hundred and thirty-nine miles in length.

It is a well known fact that there exists in Coshocton county a bed of the
finest quality of cannel coal, and this road will bring this city of Sandusky in
direct communication with that region and afford a desirable outlet for its most
valuable product.

The capital stock of the company is five millions of dollars, but instead of
asking for subscriptions to the stock the company have issued bonds and have
arranged to build and stock their road with the proceeds of the bond sales In
fact, W. D. Crane, of New York city has agreed to take the bonds and build
and equip the road, and construct extensive docks at Sandusky as well.

The present officers of the comapany are Hon John Mackey, president; P.
H. Clark, secretary, and David Brubaker, treasurer.

THE NEW YORK, CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS RAILWAY.

This road, which is more commonly known as the “ Nickel Plate,” has its
•Ine across Erie county, entering from the east, in the north part of Vermillion
township, and departing near the southwest part of Groton township. The
foad is of no practical benefit to the county, having but an occasional passen-
Kcr train and doing but little other than a through freight business as apart of
the 44 Vanderbilt system.”

272

History of Erie County.

CHAPTER XIX.

SOME EVENTS OF ERIE COUNTY’S POLITICAL HISTORY.

ERIE county has never achieved a standing of any special importance in thv.

political history of the nation or of the State of Ohio; but to the county it-
self its political history has been as important as that of any county in the Stat(
to itself. In the year 1838, at the time the county by Legislative enactment
was created, there existed but two recognized political parties, the Whig and
the Democratic; but there did exist at that time a strong anti-slavery feeling!;,
the hearts of a few, and but a few men, whose chosen, fearless and out-spoker.
champion was Francis D. Parish, who had then had a residence in Sandusky
of some sixteen years. At the time of which we speak the cause of the De-
mocracy was championed by Colonel Hanies, at one time collector of the port;
William H. Hunter, at one time member' of Congress ; William B. Smith,
Horace Alpin, H. W. Conklin, Zenas W. Barker, John S. Campbell, and oth-
ers, who, though less active, were none the less zealous in their labors. The
Whig principles were advocated by Elentheros Cooke, Oran Follett, ColonC
John N. Sloane, Colonel Abner Root, William Townsend, Joseph M. Root.
John Weeden, John Wheeler, Philip R. Hopkins, Judge Caldwell, Judge Far-
well, Major Camp, David Campbell, and perhaps others equally prominent
whose names cannot now be recalled.

The political complexion of the county at that time was Democratic, and
nearly, if not quite all, of the first officers were of that party. Horace Alpin
was recorder, H. W. Conklin was auditor, William B. Smith was treasurer.
Zenas W. Barker was clerk of the courts, Harvey Long was sheriff, and John S
Campbell was prosecuting attorney, and each was elected on the Democrat;
ticket. At the next election, however, there seems to have been a decidec
change in affairs, brought about in part by the increase in the Whig rank'
and in part by the fact that General Harrison was upon the ticket as a candi-
date for the presidency, and his personal popularity rallied to his support the
entire Whig strength and drew largely from the opposition party. In that
year the Whigs elected C. B. Squires for recorder, William Neill for auditor.
Zalumna Phillips for sheriff, and Francis D. Parish for prosecuting attorney.
Mr. Parish affiliated somewhat with the Whigs, that party coming nearer t
his principles than any other.

But during the first ten years of the county’s political history the majority
for the successful party, which ever it may have been, was very slight an
liable easily to be overthrown by the unpopularity of a nominee. Gener.
Harrison, as is well known, died soon after entering upon the discharge ofD'
duties as president and John Tyler succeeded him. His administration wa»

Political History.

273

hardly in accord with true Whig doctrines, and resulted disastrously to the
party. James K. Polk succeeded by the election in 1844, as the candidate of
the Democracy. In the county Ebenezer Merry, Whig, was elected recorder;
Orlando McKnight, Democrat, for auditor ; Rice Harper, Whig, for clerk ;
Kbcnezer Warner, Democrat, for sheriff, and S. F. Taylor, Whig, for prose-
cuting attorney.

In 1848 the Free-Soil party took shape, and in the campaign of that year
Mr. Parish and other anti-slavery men supported the nomination of its candi-
date, Martin Van Buren, while Zack. Taylor appeared as the Whig nominee,
and General Lewis Cass as the choice of the Democracy. General Taylor,
better known as old “ Rough and Ready,” carried the day, and with it came
a majority of the local offices into the hands of Whigs.

In the fifties the old Whig party gradually merged into the Republican
party, except a few who could not adopt the full platform of the latter party,
but this decade saw a majority of the county offices in the control of the Whigs
and Republicans. The Know-Nothing party also became developed suffi-
ciently in the county to put a candidate in the local field for the several offices,
although in part it fused with the Republicans. A. H. Striker became their
nominee for the probate judgeship and was elected, but he had also the Dem-
ocratic support. They also supported Horace N. Bill for clerk, although he
was also the Republican candidate. During this same decade, in 1852, the
Democratic and States’ Rights parties nominated and elected Franklin Pierce;
and again, in 1856, they triumphed by the candidacy of James Buchanan In
this latter campaign the Northern, Free-Soil, and Abolition parties supported
John C. Freemont, while the Know-Nothings found a candidate in Millard Fill-
more. From 1850 to i860 the office of recorder was held by Charles Wilbur
and James W. Cooke, both Republicans; the office of auditor, Foster M. Fol-
lett and Charles H. Botsford, both Republicans ; the office of treasurer by John
B. Wilber, Democrat; John W. Sprague, Thomas S. Fuller, Holly Skinner,
Whigs and Republicans, and Thomas S. Fernald, Democrat; the office of clerk
by Rice Harper and Horace N. Bill, both Whigs ; the office of sheriff by George
W. Smith, G. B. Gerrard and Fred. F. Smith, Democrats; the office of prose-
cuting attorney by A. W. Hendry, John Mackey and O. C. McLouth, Whigs
and Republicans.

In i860 Mr. Lincoln became the candidate of the Republicans, or united
Whig and Abolition parties; Stephen A. Douglass and John C. Breckenridge
of the divided factions of the Democracy, and John Bell of the old American or
Dnion party. Mr. Lincoln was triumphantly elected, carrying every Northern
State except New Jersey. After this came the secession of the Southern
States, followed by four years of civil war. The Union must be maintained
and the Republican president and his cabinet must be supported, both in Fed-
Cral, State and county politics; therefore it is not surprising that the ranks of

274

History of Erie County.

the Democracy became decimated and those of the Republican party largclv
increased. The office of prosecuting attorney between the years i860 and
1870, was held by F. W. Cogswell, a Republican; sheriff by D. S. Worthing-
ton and Jesse Davis, both Republicans; clerk by John J. Penfield, George \Y
Penfield and George O. Selkirk, all Republicans; probate judge by George
Morton and A. W. Hendry, both Republicans; recorder by James W. Cook,
John W. Reed and William A. Till, all Republicans ; auditor by George \V.
Smith and Ebenezer Merry, Republicans, and the office of treasurer, W. H. Mc-
Fall and James D. Chamberlain, both Republicans.

After the close of the war there became a desire to reward with office those
who had been in the service. To this end nearly all of the local offices were
filled with soldiers, who had no difficulty in obtaining a nomination in the con-
vention, and who had to make but little effort to secure an election, as the Re-
publican majority in the county reached, on certain occasions, something like
seven, eight or nine hundred. But after a number of years many people be-
came tired of this and began to realize the fact that a person that had not a
soldier record had no chance for a position. This drove many to support the
candidates of other parties.

Then, again, after the Republicans had been in power, both in general and
local politics, there became a growing dissatisfaction with the party and a de-
sire for a change. These things resulted in a gradual diminution of the Re-
publican vote and a corresponding increase of the Democratic, until the parties
were again nearly equally divided, and not infrequently would the minority
party of the county elect a candidate to an important office. The floating vote,
as a rule, inclines to a growing party, and as a result of this and other causes,
the Democracy succeeding in capturing, not only most of the fat offices, but in
a few years had a decided majority. And it is a fact that during the last six
or eight years that party has been in the ascendancy in the county, although
it is evident that the majority is becoming less with each succeeding year. Ot
the present officers of the county nearly all are Democrats.

Elsewhere in this chapter reference has been made to the anti-slavery prin-
ciples, so strongly advocated by Francis D. Parish. This idea with him was
by no means a desire to become conspicuous among his fellow men, but rather
the result of deep conviction. The early history of his connection with the anti-
slavery party and its few adherents in this county, became an important feat-
ure of the political history of the county, insomuch that in compliance with a
general request, we feel constrained to enter somewhat into the detail of that
history ; and from the further fact that but little, if anything, has heretofore
been written upon that subject.

For the facts following upon this matter the writer depends upon the au-
tobiography of Mr. Parish, written some years prior to the time of his death,
and never appearing in print heretofore, although the case at law, growing out

Political History.

275

of Mr. Parish’s efforts at securing the liberation of fugitive slaves, has been ful-
jv stated in the United States law reports. There were but two suits brought
to recover the value of escaping slaves, which arose from transactions in this
county. One of these was brought against Mr. Parish and the other against
Hon. Rush R. Sloane, and these it is proposed particularly to notice. From
the Parish autobiography the following is taken.

“ The question arose as to the relative merits and the tendency of the col-
onization and the anti-slavery societies, the latter of which was being organized
in different localities in the free States. I had hitherto supported the coloniz-
ation society, upon the assumed ground that it would lead ultimately to the
abolition of slavery. But the discussion worked an entire revolution in my
mind. I became thoroughly convinced that the tendency of the colonization
scheme was only to add value to slave property by the removal of free labor-
ers to foreign lands, and thereby strengthen and perpetuate the slave system
in the United States. Consequently I changed to an open and zealous hostil-
ity to that society, and became an advocate of the anti-slavery society.

“ As the agitation of the question became general, violent opposition de-
veloped itself in all quarters. The abolitiontists were not only opposed, but
persecuted with great violence, both in church and state. The press, religious
as well as secular, and literary institutions of the country, were so entangled
and involved in the interests of the slave power of the land, that they at once
combined in a general onslaught upon all abolitionists. All heartily joined in
a common effort to overwhelm them, and if possible, to silence and suppress
all discussion of the subject in compliance with the arrogant demands of the
slave holders. Men of the highest respectability in the country were repeatedly
subjected to mob violence, stimulated and encouraged by men of property and
standing in the cities and in the country generally.

“ Elisha Parish Lovejoy, publisher and editor of a religious paper, moder-
ately advocating anti-slavery principles, first in St. Louis, then in Alton, 111.,
"’as driven from place to place and finally murdered, and his press destroyed
at the latter place. Not the least notice in law was taken of the outrage.

“ William Lloyd Garrison, publisher and editor of the Liberator *, was at one
time dragged through the streets of Boston with a rope around his neck or
kody, by a furious mob composed (as was announced in the papers) of ‘ men
°f property and standing ’ of that city. Examples might be multiplied of sim-
ilar mobs in other cities and towns.

“The press of the Philanthropist , early published in Cincinnati, O., was
three times destroyed, to replace which I had the pleasure to as often contrib-
ute- For some time I stood alone in Sandusky as a known abolitionist, and
^°r a time my person and residence were exposed to and threatened with mob
violence.

“ Abolitionists and some others helped along fugitive slaves in their flight

276

History of Erie County.

through the free States to Canada, where alone they could find peace and safetv
On reaching the southern borders of the free States, by the aid of the north star,
they found some one ready to point out the right way, and some often con-
veyed in wagons and carriages from place to place, till they reached the water
of Lake Erie or the rivers. Sandusky was the general point of shipment r f
such articles for Canada. Here I was in readiness to see them safely on boar :
a reliable craft. Hence I was often designated as the ‘ keeper of the dep> ;
or warehouse of the Underground Railroad.’ I have helped along hundred-
and perhaps thousands. Often the fugitive was hotly pursued, and there were
those in and about Sandusky eager to seize him at the beck of the hounds in
pursuit. Haste and skill were therefore required to insure the deliverance cf
the panting victims. It was known to the general public that it was my busi-
ness and practice to send forward, by water or otherwise, all such as were for-
tunate enough to reach Sandusky; yeti was never molested but once. In
that case I was sued in the Circuit Court of the United States for the district
of Ohio, under the fugitive slave law of Congress, of 1793, and was finally
mulcted in the sum of $1,000 and costs, which were taxed at $500.”

The Driscoll Case . — “ In the fall of 1844 there came to my house a fugitiv
slave woman with six children. The oldest was a son of seventeen or eighteen,
and the youngest, also a son, about six years old ; one daughter, about fifteen
and three other sons, aged respectively, about sixteen, fourteen, and twelve
As they arrived the steamboat for Detroit had just left the dock. It proved :
be the last trip as the bay was that night frozen over. It thus appeared proba-
ble that they must pass the winter in Sandusky. The two older boys, how-
ever, soon made their way to Canada by land and ice. I gave the mother am:
youngest boy a place in my family, the mother doing work at $1 per week an
board of self and little boy. Places were found for the girl and other two b o}*
to work for their board. These boys were sent on errands through the street*,
and one of them was often sent for water to a pump in the street near th
Townsend House. It so happened that a Kentucky traveler, stopping at th
hotel, saw and recognized this boy, and so informed the man who claimed t
be the owner, Peter Driscoll, of Mason county, Ky. The other boy, who ua-
called ‘ Doc,’ was with a family near my own residence (No. 5 Washing^
Row).

“ On one of the last days of February, 1845, the woman of this family cam-
hastily into my kitchen, exclaiming, ‘ Mr. Parish, what does this mean ? *1"

men came into our wood-house, where he was sawing wood, seized Doc, a:
carried him off, he screaming for his life.’

“ Understanding at once what was up, I passed hastily to my front do
on opening which I saw two men walking rapidly past my front gate and ti -
the corner of my lot, apparently to go to my wood-house, which was cc '
nected with the kitchen. On turning the corner they saw me upon the p’a:*

Political History.

2 77

form of my steps, and one of them exclaimed, ‘ Oh, here is Mr. Parish !’ And
both turned and walked back to my front gate. Mitchell (as I afterward
learned) asked me if there was a colored woman at my house, called Jane Gar-
rison. My prompt reply was, ‘There is, sir.’ He then said he was the agent
of the owner of the woman and the family, and was authorized to take and
return them to their master. ‘ Very well,’ says I, ‘ if you have a right to. take
her, and pursue the legal course, I shall not resist, but you must pursue the
course pointed out by law in such cases, and if you prove your right, very well.
I shall, however, see that she has a fair trial.’ ‘ Well,’ says he, ‘ I also am a law
abiding man, and ask nothing but what the law gives me.* He asked to see
the woman, and I told him I had no objection, if the woman was willing to see
him. I stepped into the house and asked Jane if she was willing to see the
men. She said not, but on my advising her to do so, she went with me to the
front door, and stood on the platform, while the men were outside the gate,
ten feet from her. Mitchell spoke to her, calling her by name, but I do not
remember that she made any reply. Mitchell asked the little boy, who stood
by his mother, to come and shake hands with him, and I said, ‘ it is not nec-
essary.’ Mitchell then urged me to have the woman taken before a justice of
tiie peace at Castalia. I objected, saying that there were competent officers in
the city, after which they went away, not having been inside the gate. I then
took out a writ of habeas corpus , to take the boys whom they held in confine-
ment in their room at the hotel, and at the same time lodged a complaint
against Mitchell and the other man for assault and battery upon the boys.
The proceedings were before the late Judge Farwell, who, after hearing the
whole evidence on both sides, discharged the boys, and they departed. Mit-
chell and his companion were bound over to court to answer the charge of
assault and battery.

“In August, 1845, I was served with two writs of summons from the
United States Circuit Court of this State, at the suit of Peter Driscoll, in one
<ase demanding the penalty, and in the other claiming the value of the slaves,
under the law of Congress of 1793, for the alleged rescue of the slaves from
their owner. The suits were instituted by Henry Stansbury, then of Colum-
bus, but later of Covington, Ky., the same man who was attorney-general
under Andrew Johnson. Salmon P. Chase, of Cincinnati, and John W. An-
drews, of Columbus, were my attorneys, voluntary, that is, they made no
charge for their services. The issue was duly made up, and I attended court
from year to year, generally with several witnesses from Sandusky, until the
hnal trial in 1849. The cases were twice tried; once the jury could not agree,
and once a verdict against me was set aside and a new trial granted. At the
term of 1848, at the solicitation of kind friends of the Ohio bar, the Hon.
Thomas Ewing volunteered in the defense. In the fall of 1S49 Mr. Ewing
was called to the cabinet of President Taylor, and could not be present at the
36

2jS

History of Erie County.

term of that year ; but at the like solicitation, the Hon. Thomas Corwin vol-
unteered assistance in the defense.”

Upon the third and final trial of the case, the details of which are deemci
unimportant here, Mr. Parish was mulcted in damages to the extent of $2,000,
besides costs, amounting to several hundred dollars more. But the judgment
for damages was reduced to $1,000, and the costs were likewise reduced to
$250. By the generous assistance of personal friends, and friends of the cau-t
to which Mr. Parish was so earnestly devoted, the whole amount of judgment
and costs, amounting to $1,250 was paid.

This was the first case of this character brought against a citizen of San-
dusky, upon a cause of action arising in Erie county, and becomes important
from its very nature, and will prove doubly interesting to the thousands of
friends that hold the victim of the prosecution in such kindly remembranc
The names of the slaves, the value of whom was sued for, were Jane Garrison
and Harrison Garrison.

The case has but one fellow, that is, an action brought against a resident
of Sandusky, and this was the case of Lewis F. Weimer against Rush R.
Sloane, then a young and active practicing attorney of the city. But this dif-
fers in some respects from that just quoted, and was brought under a moo-
recent act of Congress, procured to become a law through the great power of
southern chivalry, and by which the value of a slave was fixed at $1,000, re-
gardless of physical condition, age, or actual value. The names of the slaves
that were aided in their escape were George Bracken, Emily Bracken, Ellen
Bracken, Robert Pritt, Matilda Pritt, Eliza Pritt, and Thomas Pritt. The action
of Weimer against Sloane was brought to recover the value of three of these
and, for the events at the time that led to the suit we have recourse to the
testimony of Major Foster M. Follett, one of the witnesses for the defendant,
although the evidence offered by the plaintiff was somewhat different.

“Mr. Follett, sworn: ‘Was mayor of Sandusky city October 20, 1 S 5 - •
heard a noise in the street; the crowd came into the office; was writing at the
time ; knew there were slaves there ; negroes were seated in the room ; paid
no attention but kept on writing, with back to negroes ; after some time, Riee
(Oliver Rice the marshal at the time) came in and laid the papers on my de^

. did not look at the papers. Mr. Bill asked what I was going to do. I replied
that I had no jurisdiction; think he did not speak to Patton (the slave catcher),
or Patton to him ; after some time Rice came to my desk and I handed the
papers to him, but Rice asked if I had examined them, and I said I had not.
after which I went towards the door.

“ ‘The defendant (Sloane) then came in, turned around and said, “ By what
authority are these persons held in custody? Are there any papers to sh" •
why they are held here ?” Think Patton said Rice had the papers. Defend-
ant then said, “ Colored citizens, I see no authority for detaining your colored

Political History.

279

friends.” The negroes and crowd then went out, after which Patton said to
Sloane, “Here’s the papers ; those slaves are mine and I will hold you respon-
sible.” There was not much noise or excitement.’”

These slaves had arrived in Sandusky on the evening of October 20, 1852,
the day on which these events occurred, and were immediately taken on board
the steamboat Arrow, that lay at the wharf. The slave-catcher, Patton, saw
them on the boat and at once called upon Oliver Rice and others to arrest and
take them into custody, which was done. They were then taken before Mayor
Follett that the ownership might be proved ; and it was during the early part
of the proceedings in the mayor’s office that some colored men had gone for
Mr. Sloane to engage him to appear in their defense.

To a person unacquainted with the arbitrary laws then in force regarding
fugitive slaves, it would seem that the part taken by Mr. Sloane after his ar-
rival, formed a very flimsy foundation upon which to base an action. But the
reader must bear in mind that that law was enacted by Congress at a time when
the Southern people held absolute sway in the legislative halls of Congress, and
by their controlling strength could and did pass measures wholly in their favor,
however tyrannical and oppressive they may have been to others.

The section of the act under which the slaves were detained provided,
“That where a person held to service or labor in any State or Territory of the
United States, has heretofore, or shall hereafter escape into another State or
Territory of the United States, the person or persons to whom such service or
labor may be due, or his, her, or their agent or attorney, duly authorized by
power of attorney in writing, acknowledged and certified under the seal of some
legal officer or court, of the State or Territory in which the same may be exe-
cuted, may pursue and reclaim such fugitive person, either by procuring a war-
rant from some one of the courts, judges or commissioners aforesaid, of the
proper circuit, district or county, for the apprehension of such fugitive ; or by
seizing and arresting such fugitive, where the same can be done without pro-
cess; and by taking or causing such person to be taken before such court,
judge, or commissioners,” etc.

It was by the authority of this act that these slaves were detained, and it
was on account of the part taken by Mr. Sloane in the proceedings before
Mayor Follett that he was summoned to answer in damages in the United
States court. The trial resulted in a verdict against the defendant in the
amount of three thousand dollars, one thousand dollars for each slave claimed
to be owned by Weimer. This judgment and costs Mr. Sloane paid in full.

Another suit growing out of the same transaction was brought against him
by Charles M. Gibbons, but through a defect in the paper the action was dis-
missed.

280

History of Erie County.

CHAPTER XX.

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF SANDUSKY.* THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF ERIE

COUNTY.

'T'O attempt the production of an original chronological history of the City
l of Sandusky would be out of the question. Various historians, both local
and non-resident, to the number of nearly a score, have made an effort in thi>
direction, and, in some few instances, with a fair measure of success ; so that
for a writer upon the ground to-day, there seems but very little opportunity for
enlargement upon things and events of the last quarter of a century, and no
room whatever for any additional revelations regarding the happenings of an
earlier period. At best the modern writer can but revise, classify, and per-
haps paraphrase that which has already been made patent through the labors
of early historians. And, peradventure, there may be revealed some events
that have been heretofore overlooked or considered unworthy a place in history,
and thus it may be possible that a satisfactory record be made that shall be of
some substantial use and benefit to the present and future generations of this
county.

The writer of modern times finds the most satisfaction in the fact of being
able to give to the public something before unknown, or to settle conflicting
opinions, or to give a new and satisfactory version of misunderstood things. Vet
in the present case there seems no avenue of escape by these subterfuges, and
we must look the facts squarely in the face, scan, and if possible, criticise past
works, still depend upon them for truth, then sift and separate the good history
from the bad, and present the former to the reader, clearly and in the most in-
telligent manner possible, and finally, ask the most kindly indulgence and for-
bearance of the reader for not having been able to provide new, startling and
wonderful historic revelations. So much by way of explanation — not apology.

It has not been deemed advisable for the purposes of this chapter to restate
or re-narrate the events of the Indian occupation of the lands now comprised
by the corporate limits of this city, but to commence this subject at a time
within the memory of man, referring the reader to the earlier chapters of th''
volume for such knowledge as may be sought concerning the savages whose
different tribes held jointly and in severalty the country which we now occupy-

*The point, Sandusky, first became so named from the beautiful bay on the shore of which
it is situate. The bay was known to the Indians as a lake — a small lake of cold water, an
from that the name *• Lac Sandouske ” was applied. This name, however, partakes largely -i
the French accent, and is believed to be of French origin The Jesuits carried on their labors
through this region generally, but of them we have no reliable, ancient record ; and it .s quite
probable that the Indians adopted, as nearly as possible, the name the French had given.
name was first mentioned, so far as we have knowledge, in 1708, at which time the Iroquois
Indians destroyed a village of the Eries on “Conti Lake.”

The City of Sandusky.

28 r

The territory now included within the city limits of Sandusky formed a
very small portion of the historic “ firelands,” which was donated to the inhab-
itants of certain towns of Connecticut to compensate them for losses sustained
at the hands of the British soldiers during the Revolution ; and that donation
was made before the Indian claims to the land had been extinguished. No at-
tempt at permanent white settlement could, of course, be made until that title
was acquired. And it is a fact that the survey and partition were not per-
formed until after the treaty by which the occupants relinquished their claim
of title.

After these preliminaries had been satisfactorily settled, the whites came to
the region and found on the site of the city a “lone” cabin, presided over and
occupied by an Indian named “Ogontz,” and from this occupant the town, if
such it might be called, received its first name.

OGONTZ PLACE.

From all authority it appears that this chieftain was the acknowledged ruler
of the town, and the Indians who then occupied the locality. The cabin of
Ogontz was situate at a point some ten or fifteen rods from the bay shore, be-
tween what are now known as Columbus avenue and Wayne street, about in
rear of the building standing between the Moss National and the Second Na-
tional Banks.

Authorities differ, however, on the subject of the location of the chiefs
cabin, but from the best information obtainable, it is thought the spot indicated
is about correct.

Ogontz, like all rulers of high degree, had a history ; and inasmuch as he
was in a manner identified with the past of this city, it will not be considered
too much out of place to make some mention of his life and tragic death, as
the same was sketched by one of the pioneers of 1810, and now a resident of
Perkins township, from which sketch we copy almost literally :

Ogontz. — “ His life and somewhat romantic death have been written with
varying testimony. He was captured near the head of Lake Huron, about the
middle of the last century, by some Jesuit missionaries, and taken to Quebec
’•vhen he was but a small lad. He was sent to a missionary school, was bap-
tized in the name of Ogontz, and was taught the English and French lan-
guages. He graduated with the highest honors, and was sent back as a mis-
sionary to his own people. During the latter part of the eighteenth century
Uc came to Sandusky and settled with the Ottawa Indians, on the southern
^hore of the bay, then a beautiful plain, dotted over with Indian wigwams,
^urr oaks, and clusters of hawthorns.

” In the year 1805, John Fleming came from Canada, and settled on the east
^nk of the Huron River, three miles from the lake, where he established a
small trading post, exchanging ammunition and other commodities for furs.

282

History of Erie County.

Ogontz and Fleming soon became acquainted and their friendship continu-
until the death of the former.

“ In the summer of 1808, a number of Indians, with their chief and Ogont?
assembled at Fleming’s for a yearly sacrifice. The chief, with the other?, be-
came intoxicated and quarrelsome. The chief had been jealous of Ogontz f •
some time, on account of his steady and sober habits and the popularity !,
had gained among other Indians; and fearing he might be chosen their cl -
over him, soon got into a quarrel with Ogontz. A deadly conflict ensued
which Ogontz slew his antagonist.

“The next day he was arrested and tried for murder, Fleming acting n -
judge. He was honorably acquitted, and the same day he was chosen chi-.*
over the tribe. As Ogontz had no children of his own, he adopted the on
son of the slain chief, who was but a small boy. He inherited that spirit r
revenge that is generally found in the Indian character. As soon as he be-
came a young man he watched his opportunity, and one day, while they wer
on a hunting excursion, near Perrysburg, he shot his adopted father, assumo
the title of chief and ruled the tribe. Thus fell the learned Ogontz, one of tli
most noble sons of the forest that ever trod the soil of the Sandusky plains.

“ Young Ogontz’s career as chief was short, for he soon became a habitu;.
drunkard and died in the year 1822.”

“ His name,” continues the same writer, concerning Ogontz, “will never
be forgotten by those at Sandusky. His wigwam was on the bay shore at th
foot of Wayne street. His favorite retreat from the piercing sun in midsum
mer day was in a little cluster of hawthorns near the foot of Columbus avemu
Beneath this shade was a beautiful stone chair formed by the hand of natun
Here the chief reclined for hours, smoking his pipe or watching the breeze-
ruffled waters of the broad bay as they glistened in the sunlight, or gazing
the foaming and dashing waves of the lake beyond.”

Such, then, was the location and situation during the early years of th
present century; a situation real as well as fanciful, although the latter len« -
an additional charm to the scene.

Ogontz’s Place was the name by which this locality was known and desig-
nated until the efforts of Zalmon Wildman changed it to the less romanti*
though more appropriate — Portland.

The first attempt at settlement by the whites, at what was known a*
Ogontz’s Place, was made in the year 1810, by one John Garrison and fa mil}
He was a former resident of New York State, and came to this region inqur'-
of a home. Not many, however, ventured into this locality at that tinn
There were loud and ominous threatenings of war The Indian occupant
were still friendly to the British, and the latter were continually urging the sav-
ages to deeds of violence against all colonists. The storm-cloud of war «»■
length broke, and until after the year 1815 had passed, settlement was danger-

ous.

The City of Sandusky.

283

John Garrison came to Ogontz’s Place, as has been stated, to make a home.
He brought a stock of goods to exchange for furs, and to supply the whites
that then chanced to live in the country. He was the intended victim of a
murderous Indian named Semo, but the designs of the latter were frustrated
by the outbreak of the war, causing Garrison to return to New York State.
The Indian, however, with an accomplice, murdered Michael Gibbs, a trapper,
living on Pipe Creek. This occurred while a party of rangers were at Huron,
for defensive purposes, and when the news reached them Semo was tracked
and captured and subsequently hanged. His companion in crime was an In-
dian named Omeek, and he being afterward taken, killed himself.

Few of the Connecticut sufferers occupied the lands donated them. Their
interests were purchased by others, who became known under the style of
“Proprietors,” and it wras by the extensive purchase of sufferers’ claims that
Zalmon acquired title to the large body of land whereon stands a part of San-
dusky.

(Zalmon Wildman was born at Danoury, Conn., in the year 1774, and died
December 10, 1835. * He, with his brother, Seymour Wildman, were hatters
at Danbury. From 1808 until 1835, Zalmon Wildman was postmaster at
Danbury, and from 1817 to 1824 he was associate judge of the county court of
Fairfield coufity. -He first came to the fireland in 1810, on horseback. Here
he had several thousand acres of land which he acquired by purchasing suffer-
ers’ certificates^. Judge Wildman was never a resident of Ohio, although he
frequently visited this locality, looking after his land interests. In 1833 he
subscribed $15,000 toward the construction of the Mad River Railroad, and
paid it in full. Upon his death l)is son,, Frederick S. Wildman, and his son-
in-law, Nathan Starr, were appointed administrators of his estate. They also
subscribed a large tract of land to the building of the railroad, taking stoek^or
s -rip of the company in payment, but never realized anything from the stock.)

Mr. Wildman unquestionably saw that this -locality was destined to become
a city of some considerable magnitude, and with this belief strongly impressed
upon him, in the year 1816 he laid out and caused to be platted the town of

PORTLAND.

Up to this time the town had been, it is generally conceded, known as
* ^ontz’s Place, and this belief seems to be well founded, taking the declara-
tions of Zalmon Wildman as authority.

Mr. Wildman acquired title to a large body of land in this immediate vi-
cinity by the purchase of sufferers’ rights. This surveyed township was but a
fraction of a whole township lying north of Perkins, or rather, north of town
number six in range twenty-three, and between town six and the bay.

It has been generally understood that Mr. Wildman, in the year 1816, laid
°ut and platted his lands here, or at least a part of them, and gave to the place

! Cl

284

History of Erie County.

the name of “ Portland.” This may be true, and the belief is in a measur
verified by referring to the map itself (on record), which is drawn under th
title of Portland. The signification of this name becomes clear by simply di-
viding the syllables thus, “ Port-land;” the first, Port, meaning a harbor, an-:
by adding the suffix land, we have the meaning: land upon a harbor, or.
more clearly, land located upon a harbor, or adjoining a harbor.

Portland, as a town, had a very brief existence, in fact, even if it had am
One thing is sure, and that is, that the town was known as Portland for sonic
time, but whether such was its name as a truth, and whether that name \va-
given it by Mr. Wildman, or those acting for him and under his direction, is a
question susceptible of argument. Custom, prevailing opinion and tradition,
-all say that it was named Portland, and so named honestly. This we shall not
contradict, nor shall we make an attempt to disprove it, but if we take the
county records as a standard authority (and in preparing this work great de-
pendence is placed on the records), it will be found that the name of “San-
dusky City” was given the place by Zalmon Wildman, on the 17th day of
August, 1816, by his dedication, which was follows:

“ The within town plat is situated on the south shore of Sandusky Bay, on
the ground formerly known by the name of Ogontz Place.”

“ A store is now erected on the southwesterly side of lot number six, on
the easterly side of Main street.”

“The foregoing town plat, by the name of 4 Sandusky City,’ I allow shall
be subject to and governed by the same laws that other town plats are in this
State. Zalmon Wildman. [Seal.]

“Huron, August 17, 1816.

“ Signed, sealed and acknowledged before Jabez Wright, associate judge.’’

From this instrument it seems clear that, at the above date, Zalmon Wild-
man laid out the town of Sandusky City. The article also states that the
same is situated on the “ ground formerly known by the name of Ogontz
Place.”

Well, Portland or Sandusky City, which ever it may have been, comprised
four separate blocks of land, two large and two small, and contained in all
sixty lots. The streets were : Commerce on the east, State (in the dedication
called Main) in the center, and Mechanic on the west. These run north and
south. Water street had an east and west direction and separated the small
blocks from the larger. State street separated the larger blocks, and also the
smaller.

There was but one store at that time on the tract, situated at the corner of
State (or Main) and Water streets.

There seems to have been at this time, or very soon afterward, a claim in-
terposed to the effect that Zalmon Wildman was not the rightful owner of thi>
whole tract. And just here it may be stated, parenthetically perhaps, that

-*»• )f- j ii'.Hi -miirr^'ii»"tiir fWff»Wnr-^Ti - - f r* — «. .- * **&

The City of Sandusky.

285

conflicting claims of title to the lands of Sandusky City was the greatest ob-
struction or obstacle in the way of its early growth ; an obstacle that was not
finally removed until after the year 1840; and by that time her sister cities,
Cleveland on the east, and Toledo on the west, had a decided advantage over
her in point of early and substantial settlement and internal improvement.
This was one, and but one, of the many causes that seriously retarded San-
dusky’s growth at a time when enterprise and harmonious action were most
needed for her future welfare. But to return. In explanation of this conflict
of claims to. title is, may be remarked, that Mr. Wildman and Isaac Mills, the
latter interposing the claim, made an amicable adjustment of their existing
difficulties, which, in the year 1818, resulted in the platting and laying out of
the more extensive tract of land whereon, in part, now stands the city of San-
dusky. And here another actor appears upon the scene, in the person of
George Hoadley, the ancestor of the late Governer of the State of Ohio. As
to how he acquired an interest in these lands the record does not show, but it
was unquestionably a lawful and valid title, else it had not been made. The
dedication made by these three men appears upon the records as follows :

“The city of Sandusky is situated on the south shore of Sandusky Bay,
about three miles from the entrance into said bay, on the portion lying between
town number six in the twenty-third range and the said bay.

“ The above and within (referring to the map accompanying the instru-
ment) is a true and accurate map or plat of the city of Sandusky. The streets
east and west are : Water street, which is four and one- half rods in width ;
Market street is five rods ; Washington street is six rods; Adams street is five
rods; Jefferson, Madison and Monroe are four rods; Wayne and Jackson are
each five rods; and all the other streets running northerly and southerly, to-
gether with Poplar and Elm streets, are each four rods in width. Columbus,
Huron and Miami avenues are each six rods wide. The two open spaces on
Market street, marked B.B., are appropriated as and for public market grounds,
and forever to remain for that purpose and for no other.

“Washington Square is hereby appropriated as and for a Public Ground,
Parade and Walk, and is never to be obstructed, except that part of it included
in lines marked A. A., which is hereby appropriated for public building for re-
•'gious, literary, State, county and city purposes, but no jail or State’s prison
,s ever to be erected thereon.

“The Columbus, Miami and Huron Parks are also hereby appropriated as
and for public areas as walks ; as are also the three small areas or triangles on
*be Miami and Huron avenues, which are never to be obstructed in any way
whatever.

“The city and outlots which are for sale are all numbered by progressive
numbers, according to the within map or plat, and each lot, except the water
lots and the lots on the Huron and Miami avenues, are five rods in front, on
37

286

History of Erie County.

the street, and extend back twelve rods, except where the Market place is an ;
the curve of Water street, together with Washington Row, do prevent; an;
the water lots are all two rods in front on Water street, and extend norther>,
into the bay to the channel water thereof.

“ The open and public slips to the water from Water street are as follows
viz.: On the Columbus avenue, ten rods in width; on Wayne and Jacksor.
streets, nine rods, and on all other streets eight rods in width, and so to remain
forever.

“ The land on which the city of Sandusky is laid is owned by Zalmon
Wildman, three-quarter parts thereof, and by Isaac Mills and George Hoadley.
oner quarter part thereof, undivided and in common.

“ Dated the 5th of June, 18 iS. ZALMON WlLDMAX,

** By his attorneys Isaac Mills,

“ George Hoadley,

“ By his attorney, I. Mills,

“ Isaac Mills.”

Thus was the city of Sandusky- laid out and its streets, areas and public
places dedicated to the common use; and thus have they, with slight altera-
tions, remained to the present day.

This was the first really substantial step in the direction of a municipa
'organization, although it was some six >Tears after this that Sandusky- aspire :
to any municipal existence independent of the adjoining country of wilier,
it until then formed a part.

The worthy' and generous proprietors seemed, even at that early- day-, t
be possessed of the belief that this was destined to become a city of much im-
portance, and with this end in view made liberal provision of land for the pur-
pose of buildings — State, county and city; also for religious, literary-, educa-
tional and other uses. How thoroughly this provision was utilized is attestc
by the many substantial, and in some cases elegant structures that now adorn
the square. To be sure the proprietory control of the city in later y-ears fc
into the hands of a few persons who seemed not to be imbued with the sane
rspirit of enterprise, the same progressive disposition, or the same ardent de^ w
to improve, build up and populate, as actuated ;Messrs. Wildman, Mills an
Hoadley, and tha

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Full text of "History of Erie County Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers"

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